Suleiman Usman | Soil Science | Soil Biodiversity Conservation Award

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 Dr. Suleiman Usman | Soil Science | Soil Biodiversity Conservation Award

Dr. Suleiman Usman, Department of Soil Science, Federal University Dutse, Nigeria

Dr. Suleiman Usman is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Soil Science, Federal University Dutse, Nigeria. He holds a PhD in Soil Science (Soil and Water Resources Management) from Nasarawa State University Keffi and a PhD in Soil and Environment from the University of Greenwich, UK. His research focuses on soil fertility, soil amendments, sustainable agriculture, and land management. With extensive academic and research experience, he has contributed significantly to soil health improvement and agricultural productivity in Nigeria. Dr. Usman has published widely, supervised numerous students, and participated in global research initiatives.

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Summary:

Dr. Suleiman Usman is a dedicated soil scientist whose research contributes significantly to soil biodiversity conservation. His expertise in soil fertility, conservation practices, and sustainable agriculture, combined with his strong academic and research profile, makes him a competitive candidate for this award. Minor improvements in biodiversity-focused studies and international engagement could further enhance his credentials.

 

🎓 Education

Dr. Suleiman Usman obtained a B.Agric in Soil/Crop Science from Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto, Nigeria (1999–2004). He pursued an MSc in Natural Resource (Plant Health and Protection) at the University of Greenwich, London, United Kingdom (2006–2007). He earned a PhD in Soil and Environment from the same institution (2009–2014) and later completed a PhD in Soil Science (Soil and Water Resources Management) at Nasarawa State University Keffi, Nigeria (2023/2024). Additionally, he has completed various certification programs, including Research Methodology from the University of Pretoria, South Africa, and Environmental Security and Sustaining Peace from institutions such as the UN Environment Programme and Columbia University.

💼Experience

Dr. Usman has extensive academic and research experience. He served as a Research Assistant at the Natural Resources Institute, University of Greenwich, from 2011 to 2014. Since 2015, he has been a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Soil Science, Faculty of Agriculture, at Federal University Dutse (FUD), Nigeria. He was also a Research Fellow with the Centre for Agricultural Research and Extension Services (CARES) at FUD from 2017 to 2018. He has held multiple administrative roles, including Level Coordinator (2017–2023) and Examination Officer (2022–2024). He has supervised over 15 students and taught several courses related to soil science and plant health.

🔬Research Focus

Dr. Usman’s research focuses on soil fertility, soil amendments, sustainable agriculture, and land management. He investigates soil degradation, organic material application, pesticide impacts, climate change effects on soil, and advanced soil conservation techniques. His work contributes significantly to improving soil health and agricultural productivity, particularly in Nigeria’s dryland and agroecological systems.

Awards

Dr. Usman has received multiple recognitions, including a Certificate of Merit from the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Nigeria. He has obtained numerous professional certifications from institutions such as FAO, the UN, and CTA. He has also participated in high-level research conferences and workshops globally. His research has been widely cited, with over 800 citations on Google Scholar and a ResearchGate RI score of 242.4.

Skills

Dr. Usman possesses expertise in soil fertility management, land use planning, soil and water resource management, organic amendments, and climate change adaptation. His technical skills include soil survey, geophysical soil assessment, environmental impact evaluation, and sustainable agricultural practices. He is proficient in research methodology, scientific writing, and digital research tools.

Publications

  • Determinants of access to agricultural credit among crop farmers in a farming community of Nasarawa State, Nigeria

    • Authors: KI Etonihu, SA Rahman, S Usman
    • Journal: Journal of Development and Agricultural Economics
    • Year: 2013

 

  • Incidence of liver fluke infections (Fasciola gigantica and Dicrocoelium hospes) in ruminants in northern Nigeria

    • Authors: TW Schillhorn van Veen, DO Folaranmi, S Usman, T Ishaya
    • Journal: Tropical Animal Health and Production
    • Year: 1980

 

  • Folk medicines of the lower Benue valley of Nigeria

    • Authors: JO Igoli, TA Tor-Anyiin, SS Usman, HOA Oluma, NP Igoli
    • Journal: Recent Progress in Medicinal Plants
    • Year: 2002

 

  • Corporate attributes and share value of listed pharmaceutical firms in Nigeria

    • Authors: M Abba, S Usman
    • Journal: Journal of Arts, Science & Commerce
    • Year: 2016

 

  • Analysis of resource-use efficiency in dry season vegetable production in Jere, Borno State, Nigeria

    • Authors: M Goni, ASS Umar, S Usman
    • Journal: —
    • Year: 2013

 

  • Roles of soil biota and biodiversity in soil environment–A concise communication

    • Authors: S Usman, Y Muhammad, A Chiroman
    • Journal: Eurasian Journal of Soil Science
    • Year: 2016

 

Conclusion:

 Dr. Suleiman Usman is a strong contender for the Research for Soil Biodiversity Conservation Award. His expertise, research impact, and commitment to soil conservation align well with the award’s objectives. Strengthening collaborations and biodiversity-focused research could elevate his standing in global soil biodiversity conservation efforts.

Eric LEGBA | Soil Fertility | Young Scientist Award

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Mr. Eric LEGBA | Soil Fertility | Young Scientist Award

Mr. Eric LEGBA, World Vegetable Center, Benin

Eric C. LEGBA is a Research Assistant Agronomist at the World Vegetable Center, West and Central Africa, based at the IITA-Benin Campus in Cotonou. He holds a Master’s degree in Agronomy with a specialization in Sustainable Cropping Systems. His research focuses on soil fertility management, crop productivity enhancement, and sustainable agriculture. Eric has led studies on intercropping techniques, organic fertilization, and the use of Black Soldier Fly frass as an organic amendment. He has collaborated with international research institutions and contributed to capacity-building programs, influencing sustainable farming practices across West Africa.

Profile

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Scopus

Summary:

Mr. Eric Legba is a strong candidate for the Research for Young Scientist Award, given his contributions to sustainable agriculture, soil fertility management, and innovative farming techniques. His work has direct applications in improving agricultural practices, particularly in Africa, and his affiliation with the World Vegetable Center adds credibility to his research. His publications and technical reports demonstrate a commitment to bridging scientific research and real-world agricultural solutions.

 

🎓 Education

Eric C. LEGBA holds a Master’s degree in Agronomy with a specialization in Sustainable Cropping Systems. His academic training has provided him with a strong foundation in soil fertility, crop nutrition, agronomic trials, and sustainable agricultural practices.

💼Experience

As a Research Assistant Agronomist at the World Vegetable Center, West and Central Africa, based at the IITA-Benin Campus in Cotonou, Eric LEGBA has been actively involved in multiple research and development initiatives. He has worked extensively on intercropping techniques, organic fertilization trials, and sustainable agricultural technologies. His research projects include maize-mungbean intercropping, okra variety evaluations, and nutrient management using organic amendments such as Black Soldier Fly frass. In addition to research, he has contributed to consultancies and training programs focused on improving agricultural sustainability in West Africa.

🔬Research Focus

Eric LEGBA’s research focuses on sustainable cropping systems, soil fertility improvement, and innovative crop technologies. His studies emphasize the use of organic amendments, including Black Soldier Fly frass, to enhance soil health and crop yield. He has collaborated with international research institutions such as CIMMYT, IWMI, IFAD, and national organizations, contributing to capacity building, policy recommendations, and farmer training programs. His work aims to advance agroecological practices and optimize fertilization strategies for improved vegetable production.

Awards

Eric LEGBA has received recognition for his contributions to sustainable agriculture and soil fertility management. He has been nominated for the Young Scientist Award, showcasing his impactful research and commitment to advancing agronomic practices.

Skills

His expertise encompasses soil fertility management, crop productivity enhancement, agronomic trials, sustainable cropping technologies, and agroecology. He has extensive experience in project implementation, research collaborations, and consultancy work aimed at promoting evidence-based agricultural practices. His technical skills include intercropping techniques, organic fertilization strategies, and the development of improved tools for sustainable farming.

 

Publications

2025

  • Productivity and Profitability of Maize-Mungbean and Maize-Chili Pepper Relay Intercropping Systems for Income Diversification and Soil Fertility in Southern Benin
    EC Legba, L Dossou, J Honfoga, L Pawera, R Srinivasan – Sustainability 17 (3), 1076

2024

  • Organic mulching
    EC Legba, L Dossou, J Honfoga, S Odjo, S Ramasamy

 

  • Staking of fruit vegetable plants
    EC Legba, L Dossou, J Honfoga, S Odjo, S Ramasamy

 

  • Low inputting of fertilizers for safe and sustainable vegetable production
    L Dossou, EC Legba, J Honfoga, S Odjo, S Ramasamy

 

  • Use of sticky traps in vegetable production for sustainable pest management
    L Dossou, EC Legba, J Honfoga, S Odjo, S Ramasamy

 

  • Citizen science informs demand-driven breeding of opportunity crops
    R Voss, K de Sousa, S N’Danikou, AJ Shango, LA Aglinglo, MA Laporte, EC Legba, et al. – bioRxiv, 2024.07.31.605211

2023

  • Technical report on safe and sustainable vegetable production activities in Benin
    E Legba, L Dossou, J Honfoga, S Ramasamy – International Food Policy Research Institute

 

  • Preferences of market gardeners for traditional vegetables and associated factors in urban areas of southern Benin
    TA Kouévi, CK Adé, S N’Danikou, RL Mongbo, C Komlan, EC Legba, et al. – Future of Food: Journal on Food, Agriculture and Society 11 (5)

 

  • Developing improvement strategies for management of the Sisrè berry plant [Synsepalum dulcificum (Schumach & Thonn.) Daniell] based on end-user perspectives
    DA Tchokponhoué, EC Legba, S N’Danikou, D Nyadanu, HO Oselebe, et al. – Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems 7, 1252036

 

  • Guide pratique de culture de l’amarante et de multiplication des semences
    LA Aglinglo, A Sidibe, S N’Danikou, EC Legba, A Nantoume-Dolo, et al. – ResearchGate

2020

  • Fiche technique synthétique pour la production de la carotte (Daucus carota L.)
    EC Legba, LA Aglinglo, RA Francisco, CA Houdegbe, et al. – DOI:10.13140/RG.2.2.32623.66729

 

Conclusion:

With a solid research foundation and international collaborations, Mr. Legba has great potential to make further contributions to sustainable food production. Strengthening his profile through increased citations, securing research funding, mentoring young scientists, and integrating interdisciplinary approaches would enhance his candidacy. Overall, he is a highly competitive nominee for the award and has the potential to become a leading figure in sustainable agricultural research.

Dr. Jamal Nasar | Soil Science | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Jamal Nasar | Soil Science | Best Researcher Award

 Dr. Jamal Nasar ,Guizhou University, China

Dr. Jamal Nasar is a soil scientist at Guizhou University, China. He specializes in soil fertility, plant nutrition, cropping systems, and agricultural sustainability. His work integrates research on soil-plant-microbial interactions, soil remediation, and environmental science. He holds a PhD in Soil Science from Jilin Agricultural University, China, and has received multiple academic awards, including the CSC Chinese Government Scholarship.

 

Profile

Google Scholar

Summary:

Dr. Jamal Nasar is a distinguished soil scientist whose research in soil fertility, plant nutrition, and agricultural sustainability has contributed significantly to the advancement of agricultural sciences. His interdisciplinary focus and strong publication record make him a competitive candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

 

🎓 Education

Jamal Nasar holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Soil Science from Jilin Agricultural University, China, completed in 2021. He earned his Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Soil and Environmental Sciences from The University of Agriculture, Peshawar, Pakistan, in 2015. His Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Soil and Environmental Sciences was awarded by Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan, Pakistan, in 2012. He completed his Higher Secondary School Certificate in 2007 and his Secondary School Certificate in 2005 from the Board of Intermediate & Secondary Education, Saidu Sharif Swat, Pakistan.

 

 

💼Experience

Jamal served as a Postdoctoral Fellow at Guangxi University, Nanning, China, from 2021 to 2023. He gained extensive research experience during his PhD (2016-2021) and one-year research roles at Agriculture Research Institutes in Mingora Swat and Tarnab Peshawar, Pakistan. His teaching journey includes positions as a science teacher at Axiom School, Green Valley Public School, and Islamia Public School in Swat, Pakistan, between 2012 and 2016.

🔬Research Focus

His research interests span plant nutrition, stress physiology, cropping systems, organic farming, agricultural sustainability, nutrient utilization, and soil fertility. He is dedicated to exploring soil-plant-microbial interactions, enzymatic activities, and environmental sciences, with a special focus on soil remediation and metagenomics.

 

Awards

Jamal has been recognized as an Outstanding Graduate Student by Jilin Agricultural University in 2021. He received the prestigious CSC Chinese Government Scholarship from 2016 to 2021. Additionally, he was awarded the Prime Minister and Naway Sahar laptops with fee waivers in 2014 and 2012, respectively.

 

 

Skills

Jamal is proficient in soil and plant sampling, lab analysis, and advanced lab equipment such as Kjeldahl analyzers, spectrophotometers, and flame photometers. He excels in microbial cultivation, soil DNA extraction, and the use of portable photosynthesis systems. His data analysis skills encompass software like SPSS, MS Office, Origin, GraphPad Prism, and STAMP. He is multilingual, fluent in English, Urdu, Pashto, and moderately proficient in Chinese.

 

Publications

  • Photosynthetic activities and photosynthetic nitrogen use efficiency of maize crop under different planting patterns and nitrogen fertilization
    Authors: J Nasar, W Khan, MZ Khan, HI Gitari, JF Gbolayori, AA Moussa, …
    Journal: Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition 21 (3), 2274-2284
    Citations: 87
    Year: 2021

 

  • Interactive effects of melatonin and nitrogen improve drought tolerance of maize seedlings by regulating growth and physiochemical attributes
    Authors: S Ahmad, GY Wang, I Muhammad, YX Chi, M Zeeshan, J Nasar, XB Zhou
    Journal: Antioxidants 11 (2), 359
    Citations: 66
    Year: 2022

 

  • Nitrogen fertilization coupled with iron foliar application improves the photosynthetic characteristics, photosynthetic nitrogen use efficiency, and the related enzymes of maize
    Authors: J Nasar, GY Wang, S Ahmad, I Muhammad, M Zeeshan, H Gitari, …
    Journal: Frontiers in Plant Science 13, 988055
    Citations: 60
    Year: 2022

 

  • The effect of maize–alfalfa intercropping on the physiological characteristics, nitrogen uptake and yield of maize
    Authors: J Nasar, Z Shao, A Arshad, FG Jones, S Liu, C Li, MZ Khan, T Khan, …
    Journal: Plant Biology 22 (6), 1140-1149
    Citations: 48
    Year: 2020

 

  • Root Contact between Maize and Alfalfa Facilitates Nitrogen Transfer and Uptake Using Techniques of Foliar 15N-Labeling
    Authors: Z Shao, X Wang, Q Gao, H Zhang, H Yu, Y Wang, J Zhang, J Nasar, …
    Journal: Agronomy 10 (3), 360
    Citations: 39
    Year: 2020

 

  • Effect of iron and molybdenum on yield and nodulation of lentil
    Authors: J Nasar, Z Shah
    Journal: ARPN Journal of Agricultural and Biological Science 12 (11), 332-339
    Citations: 33
    Year: 2017

 

  • Maize-alfalfa intercropping induced changes in plant and soil nutrient status under nitrogen application
    Authors: J Nasar, Z Shao, Q Gao, X Zhou, S Fahad, S Liu, C Li, J Banda SK, …
    Journal: Archives of Agronomy and Soil Science 68 (2), 151-165
    Citations: 29
    Year: 2022

 

  • Maize productivity, economic returns and phosphorus use efficiency as influenced by lime, Minjingu Rock Phosphate and NPK inorganic fertilizer
    Authors: RP Cheptoek, HI Gitari, B Mochoge, OM Kisaka, E Otieno, S Maitra, …
    Journal: Renu Publishers 8 (1), 47-60
    Citations: 29
    Year: 2021

 

  • Maize-soybean intercropping at optimal N fertilization increases the N uptake, N yield and N use efficiency of maize crop by regulating the N assimilatory enzymes
    Authors: J Nasar, CJ Zhao, R Khan, H Gul, H Gitari, Z Shao, G Abbas, I Haider, …
    Journal: Frontiers in Plant Science 13, 1077948
    Citations: 28
    Year: 2023

 

  • Physiological and transcriptomic study reveal SeNPs-mediated AsIII stress detoxification mechanisms involved modulation of antioxidants, metal transporters, and transcription factors
    Authors: M Zeeshan, YX Hu, XH Guo, CY Sun, A Salam, S Ahmad, I Muhammad, …
    Journal: Environmental Pollution 317, 120637
    Citations: 27
    Year: 2023

 

Conclusion:

Based on his research achievements, academic recognitions, and contributions to soil science, Dr. Jamal Nasar is highly suitable for the Best Researcher Award. Strengthening international collaborations and increasing his involvement in grant-funded projects could further elevate his research stature and solidify his candidacy for future recognitions.