Salma Fatnassi | Soil | Soil Health Advocate Award

Published on by Soil Scientist

Dr. Salma Fatnassi | Soil | Soil Health Advocate Award

National Institute of Research in Rural Eaux and Forets | Tunisia

Salma Fatnassi is a researcher in soil science and environmental geochemistry whose work focuses on understanding the behavior of micronutrients and trace metals in agricultural systems irrigated with treated wastewater, generating important knowledge on soil–water–plant interactions and contaminant mobility. Her research involves designing and managing collaborative studies that assess soil contamination risks, nutrient cycling, and the environmental sustainability of wastewater reuse in agriculture. She is skilled in soil and water sampling, geochemical laboratory techniques, environmental monitoring, and the application of statistical and spatial tools for interpreting complex environmental datasets. With strong expertise in data analysis using R, Excel, ArcGIS, and SPSS, she evaluates metal bioavailability, transport pathways, and ecological impacts with high analytical rigor. Her scientific contributions include 4 published documents, 24 citations, and an h-index of 3, reflecting her growing influence in the field. Salma Fatnassi has also strengthened her methodological foundation through training in bibliographic research, pedagogy, statistical analysis, and innovative water treatment technologies, enabling her to support interdisciplinary and international research collaborations. Overall, her work advances sustainable soil and water management, improves understanding of trace element dynamics, and supports evidence-based environmental protection strategies in agricultural ecosystems.

Profile : Scopus 

Featured Publications

Fatnassi, S., Hörmann, G., Fohrer, N., Navarro-Pedreño, J., & Hachicha, M. (2025). Boron in soil, drainage water and groundwater in long-term irrigated area by treated wastewater in Northeast Tunisia. Soil Systems.

Janet Leandro Marmolejo | Soil Biology | Research Excellence Award

Published on by Soil Scientist

Prof. Janet Leandro Marmolejo | Soil Biology | Research Excellence Award

College of Postgraduates | Mexico

Janet Leandro Marmolejo is an accomplished agricultural and livestock professional with strong expertise in health, microbiology, parasitology, and animal production systems. Her background spans hands-on roles in cattle, buffalo, sheep, turkey, and swine management, where she has applied biosecurity measures, disease prevention strategies, and reproductive evaluation techniques to enhance productivity. She has contributed significantly to silvopastoral systems, dairy and meat operations, and reproductive studies, including work with andrological examinations in buffalo. Janet has overseen the implementation of good livestock practices, feed formulation, monitoring of productive and reproductive indicators, and the development of animal health protocols. Her experience managing dual-purpose cattle, native turkeys, and buffalo herds demonstrates strong diagnostic, behavioral assessment, and disease-control capabilities. As an advisor in sheep production, she has managed vaccination schedules, reproductive monitoring, herd performance, and resource planning. In swine units, her responsibilities have included clinical sampling, nutritional adjustments, sanitary procedures, and growth monitoring. Janet’s academic foundation in genetic resources, livestock productivity, agricultural engineering, and zootechnics complements her extensive field experience, enabling her to integrate scientific knowledge with practical livestock management. Her diverse expertise positions her as a versatile professional capable of contributing to research, industrial, livestock, and agronomic sectors.

Profile : Orcid

Featured Publications

Leandro Marmolejo, J., Crosby Galván, M. M., Crosby Galván, E. M., Vallejo Hernández, L. H., Sánchez-Torres Esqueda, M. T., Cortez Romero, C., & Améndola Massiotti, R. D. (2025). The metabolism of Streptomyces avermitilis isolated from agricultural soils during the four seasons of the year. Applied Microbiology, 5(4), 138.

Marmolejo, J., & Ahedo, A. (2023). Métodos de rotación de calendarios sanitarios en corrales de engorda de ovinos de la raza Suffolk [Design]. Universidad Autónoma Chapingo.

Leandro, J. M. (2023, June 30). Determinación de los indicadores morfométricos reproductivos en machos de búfalo de agua (Bubalus bubalis) mediante examen andrológico con el uso del electro-eyaculador en Costa Rica [Conference poster]. 4º Congreso Nacional Estudiantil en Biología, Educación Ambiental y Agricultura Orgánica.

Leandro, J. M. (2023, June 28). Evaluación etológica en dos tipos de ambiente y su respuesta productiva en pavos doble pechuga (Meleagris gallopavo Linn) [Conference poster]. 4º Congreso Nacional Estudiantil en Biología, Educación Ambiental y Agricultura Orgánica.

Shivanand Pawar | Soil Science | Best Faculty Award

Published on by Soil Scientist

Dr. Shivanand Pawar | Soil Science | Best Faculty Award

Jain University | India

Dr. Shivanand Pawar’s research demonstrates a strong commitment to advancing sustainable rural development through evidence-based community education interventions. His work focuses on assessing how structured community engagement can drive measurable progress toward Sustainable Development Goals, particularly within rural settings. By designing and implementing a comprehensive Sustainable Rural Community Development Module, he conducted an empirical study involving women, farmers, and youth, applying quantitative interviews, focus group discussions, observational follow-ups, and pre- and post-intervention assessments to examine shifts in awareness, participation, and community-led action. The study generated valuable insights into how targeted education can strengthen human capital, enhance local capacities, and support long-term sustainability outcomes. His intervention model emphasizes participatory learning, social inclusion, and empowerment as core drivers of development, ultimately positioning community education as a transformative tool for rural advancement. The research has resulted in recognized scholarly contributions, including an award-winning paper on human capital and sustainable development. His academic impact is reflected in an h-index of 2, citation count of 22, and an i10-index of 1, indicating growing influence in the field of social work and sustainable development research. These metrics highlight both the relevance and emerging impact of his contributions toward advancing community-centered development practices.

Profile : Orcid

Featured Publications

Pawar, S. (2025). Human capital and stakeholder engagement intervention: A women empowerment pathway to achieve sustainable community development in water, sanitation, and hygiene at Vaijapur Village of Karnataka, India.

Pawar, S. (2023). Influence of decision-making styles and affective styles on academic procrastination among students.

Pawar, S. (2022). Internet gaming disorder among adolescents during COVID-19 pandemic: A case report of Kerala students, India

Pawar, S. (2022). Psychological wellbeing status of Schedule Caste during COVID-19 pandemic of Thiruvallur District of Tamil Nadu, India

Ningsheng Chen | Soil Science | Research Excellence Award

Published on by Soil Scientist

Prof. Ningsheng Chen | Soil Science | Research Excellence Award

Yangtze University | China 

Ningsheng Chen is a second-level Professor and PhD supervisor recognized for his influential contributions to geological engineering, with a strong focus on debris flows, landslides, and mountain flood disasters. His research portfolio includes 210 publications, of which 151 are indexed documents supported by 2,098 citations from 1,739 citing records, reflecting an h-index of 24. He has authored five monographs and secured 25 patents and software copyrights, demonstrating a commitment to advancing both scientific understanding and practical innovation in hazard mitigation. His work has earned multiple national and provincial science and technology awards, and several of his research outputs have been acknowledged as major scientific advancements in ecological and environmental fields. As a Distinguished Talent of Changjiang University and a Kunlun Outstanding Talent, he has provided national-level expertise through 35 advisory reports and continues to lead significant scientific initiatives, including international cooperation programs and major natural disaster research projects. In addition to his research leadership, he contributes to academic governance as Chairman of the Mountain Branch of the Geographical Society of China and as a member of the National Standards Committee, reinforcing his role as a key figure in promoting scientific progress and disaster-risk reduction in mountainous regions.

Profiles : Scopus | Orcid 

Featured Publications

Wu, Z., Chen, N., Qing, L., Chen, X., Huang, N., & Zhang, Y. (2025). Typhoon–terrain synergy: A critical mechanism driving high-frequency flood disasters in the Beijing region. Water,

Wang, Z., Wen, T., Chen, N., & Tang, R. (2025). Assessment of landslide susceptibility based on the two-layer stacking model—A case study of Jiacha County, China. Remote Sensing,

Hou, R., Wu, M., Chen, N., Wu, K., Chen, X., She, D., Huang, N., & Xiao, M. (2025). Human settlements lie on paleolandslide deposits: Risk, evidence and formation of an ancient river-blocking landslide in the Jinsha River tributary, SE Tibetan Plateau. CATENA,

Peng, T., Chen, N., Hu, G., Tian, S., Ni, H., & Huang, L. (2025). New rulers for estimating the magnitude of catastrophic debris flows. Natural Hazards.

Han, Z., Xie, W., Zeng, C., Li, Y., Chen, G., Chen, N., Hu, G., & Wang, W. (2024). Modelling the temporal-varied nonlinear velocity profile of debris flow using a stratification aggregation algorithm in 3D-HBP-SPH framework. Journal of Mountain Science.

Zhong, Z., Chen, N., Hu, G., Han, Z., & Ni, H. (2024). High-tide hysteresis effect of low-frequency debris flow after earthquake: A case study of Xifan Gully. Bulletin of Engineering Geology and the Environment.

Yanling Li | Soil | Interdisciplinary Soil Research Award

Published on by Soil Scientist

Dr. Yanling Li | Soil | Interdisciplinary Soil Research Award

Shandong Agricultural University | China 

Dr. Yanling Li is a distinguished scholar whose work integrates agricultural remote sensing, ecological monitoring, and soil–plant–atmosphere interactions to advance sustainable land management. Her research focuses on refining multi-source remote sensing techniques to monitor crop growth, evaluate vegetation dynamics, and assess soil nutrient patterns across diverse landscapes. She has contributed substantially to understanding how soil carbon–nitrogen cycling, land-use changes, and climatic variability influence agricultural productivity and ecological stability. Through innovative analytical frameworks, she has improved the accuracy of yield estimation models and enhanced methods for decoupling natural and human-driven ecological signals. Her work also includes designing practical remote sensing tools and developing teaching innovations that strengthen education in photogrammetry and digital mapping. Dr. Li’s research has supported decision-making in precision agriculture, soil health assessment, and climate-adaptive farming strategies. She collaborates widely across academic, governmental, and industry platforms to translate scientific insights into field-ready applications, ensuring her research benefits both environmental conservation and agricultural development. Her contributions continue to shape modern approaches to remote sensing–based ecological assessment, reflecting a commitment to advancing soil science, sustainable agriculture, and data-driven ecosystem management.

Profile : Orcid

Featured Publications

Wang, X., Li, Y., Fang, S., Dong, C., & Sun, L. (2025). Decoupling anthropogenic and climate impacts on vegetation dynamics in China’s Huaihe River Basin using geodetector. Scientific Reports.

Wang, X., Fang, S., Li, Y., Dong, C., & Sun, L. (2024). Spatiotemporal variability of vegetation NDVI in the Huaihe River Basin, China: Driving force analysis and ecological implications. Preprints.

Lu, Q. Y., Li, Y. L., Yang, Y. T., & Liu, F. J. (2023). Winter wheat identification and area extraction based on hyperspectral/multispectral image fusion. In Proceedings of the 2023 11th International Conference on Agro-Geoinformatics (Agro-Geoinformatics).

Sun, J., & Li, Y.-L. (2022). Remote sensing monitoring of afforestation and its interaction with climate in Saihanba Mechanical Forest Farm in recent 45 years. In Proceedings of the 6th International Conference on Computer Science and Application Engineering.

Yue Fu | Soil Ecology | Research Excellence Award

Published on by Soil Scientist

Prof. Yue Fu | Soil Ecology | Research Excellence Award

Huanggang Normal University | China 

Fu Yue is a dedicated researcher specializing in animal taxonomy, molecular systematics, and closely related disciplines, with a strong record of scientific productivity and leadership. She has successfully led more than ten competitive research projects supported by major funding bodies, including national-level foundations, demonstrating her capacity to guide innovative investigations and coordinate multidisciplinary teams. Her scholarly output is extensive, with over forty journal articles published as a first or corresponding author, reflecting both consistent research activity and significant contributions to her field. In addition to these articles, she has authored three monographs that further expand the academic discourse in biodiversity and systematics research. Her citation profile also reflects the influence and reach of her work, with a total of 75 citations derived from 49 citing documents, underscoring the relevance of her contributions within the scientific community. Moreover, her publication portfolio includes 25 indexed documents, indicating sustained engagement in peer-reviewed scholarship. Her h-index of 5 highlights the growing impact of her studies through articles that continue to be referenced by other researchers. Overall, Fu Yue’s academic achievements showcase a strong blend of research leadership, scientific output, and measurable impact across multiple areas of biological science.

Profile : Scopus 

Featured Publications

Mao, B., Fang, X., Lei, H., Xiao, Y., & Fu, Y. (2025). Unexpected species diversity in the understanding of selenium-containing soil invertebrates. Scientific Reports.

Mao, B., Wang, Y.-Y., Li, S.-Y., Fu, Y., Xiao, Y.-L., & Wang, Y.-F. (2025). A potential role for the interaction of Wolbachia surface proteins with the Drosophila microtubulin in maintenance of endosymbiosis and affecting spermiogenesis. Journal of Insect Physiology.

Yogendra ND | Soil Science | Editorial Board Member

Published on by Soil Scientist

Dr. Yogendra ND | Soil Science | Editorial Board Member

Dr. Yogendra ND | Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR) | India

Dr. Yogendra N.D. is an accomplished agricultural scientist whose research spans agronomy, soil science, nutrient management, and crop improvement, with a strong focus on rice, millet, sorghum, and maize production systems. His contributions, reflected through 24 published documents, 103 citations, and an h-index of 5, highlight his impactful work on silicon nutrition, soil test–based fertilizer management, seaweed liquid extract applications, nitrogen-use efficiency, and sustainable cropping systems. His studies on real-time nitrogen management using tools like the Leaf Color Chart, along with investigations into silicon sources for enhanced nutrient uptake, have provided valuable insights for improving crop productivity and soil health. He has also conducted significant research on critical micronutrient limits, tillage practices, spentwash utilization, and targeted yield approaches to reduce input costs while maintaining soil fertility. His publications in recognized scientific journals demonstrate his consistent commitment to advancing evidence-based agronomic practices that support sustainable farming. Through his interdisciplinary approach and problem-solving orientation, he continues to contribute to optimized fertilizer use, improved nutrient dynamics, and climate-smart agricultural strategies that strengthen productivity and resource efficiency across diverse cropping systems.

Profile: Scopus 

Featured Publications

Prakhyath, K. M., Yogendra, N. D., Arul Prakash, T., Padalia, R. C., Veeragurunathan, V., Gopalakrishnan, V. A. K., & Ghosh, A. (2025). Seaweed sap from Solieria chordalis enhances growth, yield and essential oil quality in rose-scented geranium (Pelargonium graveolens L’Hér.) varieties. Biochemical Systematics and Ecology.

Prakhyath, K. M., Sharma, P. M., Pragadheesh, V. S., Gopalakrishnan, V. A. K., Veeragurunathan, V., Ghosh, A., & Yogendra, N. D. (2025). Comparative evaluation of formulated and Gracilaria edulis derived seaweed extract in enhancing growth, yield, quality and economics of Artemisia pallens Wall. ex. DC. South African Journal of Botany.

Christian Siewert | Soil Science | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Soil Scientist

Prof. Dr. Christian Siewert | Soil Science | Best Researcher Award

Christian Siewert | University of Applied Sciences Dresden | Germany 

Dr. Christian Siewert is a German soil scientist and ecologist with more than three decades of academic and international experience. Holding a Ph.D. in natural sciences from the Soil Research Centre in Müncheberg and a Habilitation in soil science from the Technical University of Berlin, he has built a distinguished career across research, teaching, and international collaboration. Since 2005, he has served as a full professor, currently at the Dresden University of Applied Sciences, where he focuses on ecological sciences, soil fertility, land use technologies, environmental monitoring, and scientific publication activities. His professional record spans leadership roles, international project coordination, and contributions to over 14 EU strategic partnership research projects, including SUMCULA on sustainable cultural landscape management. With academic engagements across regions such as Russia, Eastern Europe, New Zealand, South America, and Japan, he has demonstrated long-standing expertise in cross-border ecological initiatives. Dr. Siewert has authored 32 scientific documents, which have collectively earned 809 citations, reflecting his influence in his field. His publication impact is further evidenced by an h-index of 15, underscoring the significance and reach of his scholarly contributions. Alongside 60 scientific publications and six patents, his work integrates research excellence with teaching, innovation, and global scientific cooperation.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid 

Featured Publications

  • Krahl, I., Tokarski, D., Kučerík, J., Schwitzky, E., & Siewert, C. (2025). New approach to experimental soil health definition using thermogravimetric fingerprinting. Agronomy.

  • Tokarski, D., Šimečková, J., Kučerík, J., Kalbitz, K., Demyan, M. S., Merbach, I., Barkusky, D., Ruehlmann, J., & Siewert, C. (2019). Detectability of degradable organic matter in agricultural soils by thermogravimetry. Journal of Plant Nutrition and Soil Science.

  • David, J., Weissmannová, H. D., Steinmetz, Z., Kabelíková, L., Demyan, M. S., Šimečková, J., Tokarski, D., Siewert, C., Schaumann, G. E., & Kučerík, J. (2019). Introducing a soil universal model method (SUMM) and its application for qualitative and quantitative determination of poly(ethylene), poly(styrene), poly(vinyl chloride) and poly(ethylene terephthalate) microplastics in a model soil. Chemosphere.

  • Tokarski, D., Kučerík, J., Kalbitz, K., Demyan, M. S., Merbach, I., Barkusky, D., Ruehlmann, J., & Siewert, C. (2018). Contribution of organic amendments to soil organic matter detected by thermogravimetry. Journal of Plant Nutrition and Soil Science.

  • Kučerík, J., Tokarski, D., Demyan, M. S., Merbach, I., & Siewert, C. (2018). Linking soil organic matter thermal stability with contents of clay, bound water, organic carbon and nitrogen. Geoderma.

Saliha Ahmad | Soil-Plant | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Soil Scientist

Ms. Saliha Ahmad | Soil-Plant | Best Researcher Award

Saliha Ahmad | Case Western Reserve University | United States

Dr. Saliha Ahmad, a PhD candidate in Biology at Case Western Reserve University (Cleveland, Ohio), is an emerging researcher specializing in plant–microbe interactions, microbial ecology, and sustainable agriculture. Her scientific contributions focus on unraveling the mechanisms through which beneficial microbes enhance plant tolerance to environmental stress, combining molecular biology, bioinformatics, and field-based ecological approaches. She has co-authored 3 peer-reviewed publications, which have collectively received 125 citations across 123 documents, resulting in an h-index of 3—reflecting her growing impact in microbial and environmental sciences. Dr. Ahmad’s publications in high-quality journals such as Plant and Soil, Frontiers in Plant Science, and Environmental Science and Pollution Research explore microbial detoxification, biosorption, and plant–soil–microbe interactions. She is currently leading an innovative project supported by the Research Foundation of the American Rhododendron Society, aimed at developing microbiome-based bioinoculants (“Yogurt for your Plants”). Her strong command of molecular techniques, sequencing data analysis in R, and experimental design, coupled with awards like the Greer Memorial Conference Award (2024) and Oglebay Research Fund, highlight her excellence and potential as a future leader in sustainable plant–microbiome research.

Profile:  Scopus

Featured Publications

Ali, B., Hafeez, A., Ahmad, S., Javed, M. A., et al. (2022). Bacillus thuringiensis PM25 ameliorates oxidative damage of salinity stress in maize via regulating growth, leaf pigments, antioxidant defense system, and stress-responsive gene expression. Frontiers in Plant Science.

Riffat Rahim | Soil Science | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Soil Scientist

Dr. Riffat Rahim | Soil Science | Best Researcher Award

University of Leipzig | Germany

Dr. Riffat Rahim is an accomplished soil scientist with a strong research portfolio and international experience across Germany, Canada, and Pakistan. She has contributed significantly to soil chemistry, rhizosphere processes, mucilage dynamics, salinity management, and phosphorus behavior in calcareous soils. Her academic journey includes a Ph.D. in Agricultural Sciences from Forschungszentrum Jülich and the University of Bonn, a Master’s and Bachelor’s in Soil Science from Bahauddin Zakariya University. She has authored 4 scientific documents, accumulated 40 citations, and holds an h-index of 4, reflecting the visibility and impact of her publications. Her work spans experimental studies, pore-scale simulations, and field-relevant investigations, with research outputs published and additional manuscripts under review. She has presented at major platforms such as the EGU General Assembly, World Congress of Soil Science, DBG Germany conferences, and international workshops on spectroscopy and bioeconomy. Professionally, she serves as a Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of Rostock and has held roles as a Visiting Scientist, Doctoral Researcher, and Research Assistant in leading institutions. Her technical mastery includes XANES, GC, HPLC, tomography, atomic absorption, and advanced data analysis using Python, R, and Origin. She is multilingual and experienced in laboratory management, project execution, and scientific communication.

Profile:  Scopus

Featured Publications

Nazir, M. J., Hussain, M. M., Albasher, G., Iqbal, B., Khan, K. A., Rahim, R., Li, G., & Du, D. (2024). Glucose input profit soil organic carbon mineralization and nitrogen dynamics in relation to nitrogen-amended soils. Journal of Environmental Management.