Zhiwei Gao | Soil | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Soil Scientist

Mr. Zhiwei Gao | Soil | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Zhiwei Gao, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, China

Mr. Zhiwei Gao is a PhD candidate at the College of Grassland, Resources and Environment, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, China. His research focuses on soil ecology, particularly the impacts of climate change on soil carbon and nitrogen cycling, soil microbial and nematode communities, and ecological restoration in degraded desert steppe ecosystems. He utilizes advanced tools such as stable isotope tracing, high-throughput sequencing, and bioinformatics. Zhiwei has published multiple peer-reviewed articles and actively contributes to academic conferences in the fields of ecology and environmental science.

Profile

Scopus

Orcid

Google Scholar

Summary:

Mr. Zhiwei Gao is an emerging researcher with a strong academic foundation, a progressive research vision, and a publication record that supports his potential as a future leader in soil ecology and environmental restoration. His innovative use of ecological and molecular tools positions him at the forefront of climate-soil interaction research in grassland ecosystems.

🎓 Education

Zhiwei Gao holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Life Sciences from the College of Life Sciences, Tianjin Normal University, completed in 2017. He pursued a Master of Science in Ecology at the same institution from 2018 to 2021, under the supervision of Professors Zhang Guodong and Jia Meiqing. Currently, he is pursuing a PhD in Grassland Science at the College of Grassland, Resources and Environment, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, beginning in September 2022, under the guidance of Professor Han Guodong.

💼Experience

During his master’s studies, Zhiwei focused on using high-throughput sequencing and bioinformatics to explore soil nematode communities as ecological indicators. His research included evaluating ecological reclamation in open-pit mined grasslands and assessing the effects of climate change and human disturbance on desert steppes in Inner Mongolia. In his PhD research, he is investigating the impact of climate change factors such as warming, drying, and nitrogen deposition using long-term field experiments and microcosmic facilities. He applies stable isotope tracing (13C and 15N), genomics, community ecology, and bioinformatics to analyze soil carbon and nitrogen transformation processes, the structure and function of the soil micro-food web, and gene-level mechanisms influencing soil nutrient dynamics.

🔬Research Focus

His core research interests lie in soil ecology, microbial and nematode community dynamics, ecological restoration of degraded lands, and biogeochemical cycling under climate change. He emphasizes integrating molecular biology with ecosystem-level analysis to understand the soil micro-food web and its role in carbon and nitrogen cycling, particularly in desert steppe ecosystems affected by grazing and mining.

🛠️Skills

Zhiwei is proficient in the use of R, SPSS, SigmaPlot, and Origin for the statistical analysis and visualization of high-throughput and metagenomic data. He is competent in reading and interpreting English-language scientific literature, having passed both the College English Test-4 and Test-6. He is experienced in writing and publishing SCI-indexed journal articles and can independently design, analyze, and interpret scientific experiments and data.

🏆Awards

Zhiwei Gao has been honored with four consecutive university-level scholarships. He was named an outstanding student cadre during the academic year 2019–2020 and was recognized as an outstanding Party member of the graduate CPC Party branch in 2020–2021. His academic and leadership roles reflect his dedication and contributions to the scientific and campus community.

📚 Publications

  • Title: Wetland types shape microbial function related to soil phosphorus cycling based on metagenomics analysis
    Authors: Jia Meiqing, Gao Zhiwei, Yidong Wang, et al.
    Year: 2025
    Journal: Journal of Environmental Sciences

  • Title: Eight-year tillage in black soil, effects on soil aggregates, and carbon and nitrogen stock
    Authors: Wang L, Qi S, Gao WF, Gao Zhiwei, et al.
    Year: 2023
    Journal: Scientific Reports

  • Title: Exploring the effects of warming and nitrogen deposition on desert steppe based on soil nematodes
    Authors: Gao Zhiwei, Li XD, Han Guodong, Zhang GG
    Year: 2023
    Journal: Land Degradation and Development

  • Title: Soil bacterial community is more sensitive than fungal community to nitrogen supplementation and climate warming in Inner Mongolian desert steppe
    Authors: Jia Meiqing, Gao Zhiwei, Han Guodong, et al.
    Year: 2022
    Journal: Journal of Soils and Sediments

  • Title: Exploring the optimal grazing intensity in desert steppe based on soil nematode community and function
    Authors: Gao Zhiwei, Zhang GG, Jia Meiqing, Li XD
    Year: 2022
    Journal: Land Degradation and Development

  • Title: Soil nematode communities and functions: Ecological package restoration responses in damaged desert steppe open-pit mining ecosystems
    Authors: Gao Zhiwei, Zhang GG, Jia Meiqing, Han Guodong
    Year: 2022
    Journal: Land Degradation and Development

Conclusion:

Mr. Zhiwei Gao stands out as a promising young scientist whose research aligns well with the goals of the Best Researcher Award. His scientific rigor, publication excellence, and dedication to ecological problem-solving make him a commendable nominee. With continued development in global collaboration and interdisciplinary outreach, he is poised to make significant contributions to environmental science at both national and international levels.

HONGBO SHAO | Soil | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Soil Scientist

Prof. Dr. HONGBO SHAO | Soil | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Hongbo Shao, Yancheng Normal University, China

Prof. Dr. Hongbo Shao is a leading researcher at Yancheng Normal University, China, specializing in plant stress biology, soil-plant interactions, and environmental sustainability. With a Ph.D. in Soil Biology from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, his work focuses on salt stress tolerance, phytoremediation, and sustainable soil management. He has published extensively in high-impact journals and has received numerous awards for his contributions to agricultural and environmental sciences. Prof. Shao is actively involved in international collaborations and serves as an editor and reviewer for prestigious scientific journals.

Profile

Scopus

Summary:

Prof. Dr. Hongbo Shao is a highly accomplished researcher with vast expertise in soil science, plant stress physiology, and environmental sustainability. His significant contributions to phytoremediation, sustainable soil management, and molecular plant adaptation make him a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His leadership in mentoring young scientists and active participation in the global research community further enhance his suitability for this recognition.

🎓 Education

Shao Hong-Bo earned his Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences from Harbin Normal University in 1988. He pursued his Master’s degree in Plant Biology at Zhejiang University, completing it in 1990. His Ph.D. in Soil Biology, focusing on the mutual responding relationship between soil and plants, was awarded by the Chinese Academy of Sciences in 2005.

💼Experience

Shao Hong-Bo has had a distinguished academic and research career. From 1988 to 2001, he served as a lecturer in Botany and an associate professor at Jilin Normal University. Between 2001 and 2003, he was an advanced visiting scholar at the State Key Laboratory of Plant Gene Engineering and Protein Engineering, Peking University. From 2003 to 2005, he worked as a full professor at the Guangxi Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). From 2003 to 2015, he was a senior research scientist and Ph.D. supervisor at the Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, CAS. Since 2015, he has been a professor at the Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences in Nanjing, China. He also serves as a member of prestigious scientific societies and is an editorial board member for several high-impact academic journals.

🔬Research Focus

His research primarily explores plant stress biology, soil-plant interactions, and environmental sustainability. His work emphasizes plant adaptation mechanisms to salt and water stress at the molecular level and agricultural resource utilization for soil conservation. He has made groundbreaking contributions to soil improvement through phytoremediation and has conducted significant studies on the ecological and molecular aspects of plant-environment interactions. His research extends to soil ecology, sustainable land management, and innovative strategies for restoring degraded soils.

🛠️Skills

Shao Hong-Bo possesses extensive expertise in plant stress biology, particularly under salt and water stress at the physiological and molecular levels. His skills include soil-plant interaction analysis, salt soil improvement through phytoremediation, soil ecology, and agricultural resource utilization. He is proficient in molecular biology techniques, plant genomics, and ecosystem-level research in sustainable soil protection. He is also an accomplished reviewer and editor for international journals, contributing to over 36 reputable publications.

🏆Awards

He has received numerous awards for his scientific contributions. He was honored with the Scientific and Technological Advancement Prizes at Jilin Normal University in 1994, 1996, and 1998. He received the Outstanding Youth Prize of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) in 2003 and the Western Scholar Award in 2004. His achievements were further recognized with the Excellent Prize of the Dean of CAS in 2004 and the Outstanding Prize from the Director of the State Key Laboratory of Soil Erosion and Dryland Farming in 2005. He was also awarded the Excellent Ph.D. Dissertation Prize from CAS in 2005 and has been included in “Who’s Who in the World” since 2006. In 2009, he was selected for the One Hundred-Talent Plan of CAS. His research has also been recognized with the 2008 Most Cited Paper Award from the International Journal of Biological Sciences.

📚 Publications

    1. Publication: Depiction of the Dairy Product Supplemented with the Exopolysaccharide from Pediococcus acidilactici BCB1H by Metabolomics Analysis
      Authors: Gege Hu, Hangyu Hu, Tariq Aziz, Thamer H. Albekairi, Abdullah F. Alasmari
      Year: 2024
      Journal: Journal of Food Measurement and Characterization

    2. Publication: Developments and Prospects of Farmland Application of Biogas Slurry in China—A Review
      Authors: Zichen Wang, Isaac Adeyemi Sanusi, Jidong Wang, Ademola Olufolahan Olaniran, Hongbo Shao
      Year: 2023
      Journal: Microorganisms

    3. Publication: Advances in Roles of Salicylic Acid in Plant Tolerance Responses to Biotic and Abiotic Stresses
      Authors: Weiyi Song, Hongbo Shao, Aizhen Zheng, Longfei Zhao, Yajun Xu
      Year: 2023
      Journal: Plants

    4. Publication: Aging Characteristics and Fate Analysis of Liquid Digestate Ammonium Nitrogen Disposal in Farmland Soil
      Authors: Zichen Wang, Guofeng Sun, Liping Zhang, Evariste Bosco Gueguim Kana, Hongbo Shao
      Year: 2022
      Journal: Water (Switzerland)

    5. Publication: Applications of Plant Protein in the Dairy Industry
      Authors: Gege Hu, Jing Liu, Yihui Wang, Zhennai Yang, Hongbo Shao
      Year: 2022
      Journal: Foods

    6. Publication: Improving Soil Fertility by Driving Microbial Community Changes in Saline Soils of Yellow River Delta under Petroleum Pollution
      Authors: Bingchen Wang, Shaoping Kuang, Hongbo Shao, Fei Cheng, Huihui Wang
      Year: 2022
      Journal: Journal of Environmental Management

    7. Publication: Anaerobic-Petroleum Degrading Bacteria: Diversity and Biotechnological Applications for Improving Coastal Soil
      Authors: Bingchen Wang, Shaoping Kuang, Hongbo Shao, Lei Wang, Huihui Wang
      Year: 2021
      Journal: Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety

    8. Publication: Characterization of Interactions Between the Soybean Salt-Stress Responsive Membrane-Intrinsic Proteins GmPIP1 and GmPIP2
      Authors: Jia Liu, Weicong Qi, Hai Ying Lu, Hongbo Shao, Dayong Zhang
      Year: 2021
      Journal: Agronomy

    9. Publication: Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles: Potential Effects on Soil Properties, Crop Production, Food Processing, and Food Quality
      Authors: Mohamed Salah Sheteiwy, Hiba Shaghaleh, Yousef Alhaj Hamoud, Muhammad Zaffar Hashmi, Tianow Wu
      Year: 2021
      Journal: Environmental Science and Pollution Research

    10. Publication: Seed Priming and Foliar Application with Jasmonic Acid Enhance Salinity Stress Tolerance of Soybean (Glycine max L.) Seedlings
      Authors: Mohamed Salah Sheteiwy, Hongbo Shao, Weicong Qi, Qun Wan, Hai Ying Lu
      Year: 2021
      Journal: Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture

Conclusion:

Prof. Dr. Hongbo Shao is an outstanding candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His extensive research output, global impact, and dedication to advancing soil and plant sciences make him a deserving recipient of this prestigious honor. Recognizing him with this award would acknowledge his significant contributions and inspire further innovations in the field.

Bing zhao | Soil | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Soil Scientist

Mrs. Bing zhao | Soil | Best Researcher Award

Mrs. Bing zhao, Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University, China

Bing Zhao is a lecturer at the College of Landscape Architecture and Arts, Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University, China. She holds a Ph.D. in Landscape Architecture from Beijing Forestry University and has conducted postdoctoral research in horticulture. Her research focuses on the physiological resistance, propagation, and genetic diversity of Rhododendron, as well as the phytoremediation potential of ornamental plants like Hydrangea. She has published extensively in high-impact journals and has international research experience, including as a visiting scholar at the University of Georgia, USA.

Profile

Scopus

Summary:

Dr. Bing Zhao is a highly accomplished researcher with significant contributions to plant stress physiology and phytoremediation. Her publications, international collaborations, and academic leadership position her as a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. While she has already made substantial advancements in her field, expanding interdisciplinary partnerships and policy engagement could further enhance her impact.

🎓 Education

Zhao Bing obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture from Shengyang Agricultural University in 2003. She pursued her Ph.D. in the College of Landscape Architecture at Beijing Forestry University, which she completed in 2008. She further advanced her expertise through a postdoctoral position in the Department of Horticulture at Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University from 2010 to 2012. Additionally, she expanded her international academic experience as a visiting scholar at the University of Georgia, USA, in 2013.

💼Experience

Zhao Bing began her academic career as a lecturer at the College of Forestry, Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University, in 2008. In 2014, she transitioned to the College of Landscape Architecture and Arts at the same university, where she continues to serve as a lecturer. She has extensive experience teaching undergraduate and graduate courses on topics such as flower taxonomy, the art of flower arranging, the production technology of cut flowers, and the management and planting techniques of garden plants.

🔬Research Focus

Her research primarily focuses on the physiological resistance, propagation, and flower color breeding of Rhododendron, as well as its genetic diversity. More recently, she has contributed significantly to studies on the phytoremediation potential of ornamental plants, particularly in lead and cadmium-contaminated soils. Her work includes genetic analysis, physiological responses to environmental stressors, and plant adaptation mechanisms.

🛠️Skills

Zhao Bing is proficient in plant physiology, horticultural techniques, genetic diversity analysis, and environmental remediation research. She has expertise in molecular marker analysis, plant tissue culture, and stress physiology. Her skills extend to mentoring students and guiding research projects in plant science and ecological restoration.

🏆Awards

She has published extensively in high-impact journals, contributing significantly to the fields of landscape architecture and plant physiology. Her studies on Rhododendron and Hydrangea have been widely cited, showcasing her influence in plant stress tolerance and phytoremediation research. She has collaborated internationally and played a key role in advancing knowledge on plant-environment interactions.

📚 Publications

  • Publication: Exogenous organic acids promoted phytoremediation by Hydrangea macrophylla in cadmium-contaminated soil
    Year: 2025
    Journal: Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety
    Authors: Yunjing Song, Qian Cheng, Bing Zhao

  • Publication: Glycolic acid addition enhances lead uptake and transport by Hydrangea macrophylla (Thunb.) Ser. of different plant ages
    Year: 2024
    Journal: Environmental Technology and Innovation
    Authors: Huiqi Zhao, Huan Chen, Bing Zhao

Conclusion:

Dr. Bing Zhao is a suitable and deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her strong research record, innovative phytoremediation work, and dedication to academic growth make her a valuable contributor to environmental sciences and plant physiology. Recognizing her with this award would encourage further groundbreaking research in her field.

CRISTIAN MUGUREL IORGA | Soil Remediation | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Soil Scientist

Mr. CRISTIAN MUGUREL IORGA | Soil Remediation | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Cristian Mugurel Iorga, University of Galati, Romania

Cristian Mugurel Iorga is a researcher and doctoral candidate at the “Dunărea de Jos” University of Galați, Romania, specializing in industrial engineering and environmental management. With a background in mechanical engineering and environmental monitoring, he has extensive experience in environmental protection, industrial safety, and petroleum industry remediation. He has worked as an environmental economics expert at OMV Petrom S.A., focusing on soil and groundwater decontamination, waste management, and HSE auditing. His research centers on sustainable remediation of polluted soils, ecological reconstruction of contaminated sites, and the use of sewage sludge for environmental restoration. Cristian has published several peer-reviewed articles in international journals and presented his work at scientific conferences. His skills include industrial process optimization, risk assessment, environmental impact analysis, and regulatory compliance.

Profile

Orcid

Summary:

Mr. Cristian Mugurel Iorga’s suitability for the Best Researcher Award depends on his research contributions, citations, and impact. If he has a strong publication record, innovative research, and significant contributions to his field, he would be a strong candidate. However, increasing international collaborations and real-world applications could further strengthen his eligibility.

 

🎓 Education

Cristian Mugurel Iorga is currently pursuing a Doctoral Program in Industrial Engineering at the Doctoral School of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, “Dunărea de Jos” University of Galați. He holds a Master’s degree in Environmental Monitoring and Management from the Faculty of Sciences and Environment at the same university, completed in 2018. His academic background also includes advanced studies in numerical modeling of mechanical and technological processes at the Faculty of Mechanics, where he earned his degree as a Mechanical Engineer in 1998. He obtained his Baccalaureate degree from the Petroleum Industrial High School, Ianca, Braila County, in 1990.

 

💼Experience

Cristian Mugurel Iorga has extensive experience in environmental and industrial engineering, particularly in the petroleum industry. Since December 2010, he has been working as an Environmental Economics Expert at OMV PETROM S.A., Bucharest, where he provides technical and administrative support for the approval, investigation, decontamination, and remediation of sites contaminated with petroleum products. He is responsible for HSE auditing of contractors, waste management, and compliance reporting. From May 2006 to December 2010, he served as an Area HSEQ Responsible at OMV PETROM, overseeing HSE authorizations, conducting internal audits, and managing risk assessments related to occupational hazards and environmental safety. Prior to that, between August 2004 and May 2006, he worked as an Environment, Labor Protection, and Security Responsible at SC PETROM SA, focusing on obtaining environmental permits, conducting audits, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations. Earlier in his career, he gained valuable industrial experience as a Technologist Engineer in the Thin Laminate Production Department at SC GALFINBAND SA Galati, where he coordinated production activities, monitored product quality, and contributed to process optimization.

 

🔬Research Focus

His research is centered on environmental contamination and remediation, with a particular focus on the use of waste sludge for ecological reconstruction and soil quality improvement in sites contaminated by petroleum hydrocarbons. He has explored sustainable remediation techniques for polluted soils, the impact of hydrocarbons on groundwater, and innovative solutions for environmental restoration in the oil industry. His studies contribute to advancing ecological reconstruction practices by integrating industrial byproducts into environmental management strategies.

 

Awards

Cristian Mugurel Iorga has been actively involved in scientific research and has received recognition for his contributions to environmental engineering and industrial sustainability. His work on the ecological reconstruction of contaminated sites using sewage sludge has been presented at various international conferences and published in indexed journals, including Web of Science and other high-impact scientific databases. He has played a key role in supervising environmental decontamination projects, implementing HSE standards, and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations in the petroleum sector.

 

Skills

He possesses strong expertise in environmental management, site remediation, and hazardous waste management. His skills include HSE auditing, risk assessment, industrial process optimization, and environmental impact analysis. He is experienced in regulatory compliance, occupational safety, and technical supervision of decontamination projects. Additionally, he has a strong background in digital competencies related to environmental monitoring and industrial engineering applications. He is proficient in conducting scientific research, technical reporting, and interdisciplinary collaboration in environmental and industrial projects.

 

Publications

  • Iorga, C. M., Georgescu, P. L., Ungureanu, C., & Stancu, M. M. (2025).
    Sustainable Remediation of Polluted Soils from the Oil Industry Using Sludge from Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plants.
    Processes, 13(1), Article 245.
    DOI: 10.3390/pr13010245
    Citations: Not available yet.

 

  • Iorga, C. M. Popa, C. M. Ţopa, G. Ghisman, A. C. Cantaragiu, & Stancu, M. M. (2024).
    Vegetal layer restoration of contaminated sites from petroleum industry using sewage sludge.
    Citations:0

 

  • Iorga, C. M. (2024).
    Use of Waste Sludge in the Improvement of the Quality of Soils Contaminated with Petroleum Products.
    Journal article, ISSN: 2393-5138, 2285-6064.
    Citations: 0

 

  • Iorga, C. M., Ţopa, M. C., & Stancu, M. M. (2023).
    The study on the possibility of using sewage sludge in the ecological reconstruction of contaminated sites from the petroleum industry.
    Citations: 0

 

  • Iorga, C. M.
    Environment Contamination with Petroleum Hydrocarbons.
    Journal article, ISSN: 2285-6064, 2393-5138.
    Citations: 0

Conclusion:

If Mr. Iorga meets the high standards of publication, innovation, and research impact, he could be a competitive nominee for the Best Researcher Award. More details on his work would help in a more precise evaluation.

Yonggan Zhao | Soil Salinity | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Soil Scientist

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yonggan Zhao | Soil Salinity | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yonggan Zhao, Tsinghua University, china

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yonggan Zhao is a leading researcher in saline soil reclamation at Tsinghua University, China. Holding a doctoral degree from the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, his work focuses on developing innovative technologies for improving saline-alkali soils and enhancing grain production. He has completed eight major research projects, published 25 SCI-indexed papers, authored five books, and holds 20 patents. His large-scale reclamation initiatives have added 7,866 hectares of arable land and increased grain production by 70 million kilograms annually. As Director of the Saline-Alkali Soil Branch of the Chinese Society of Forestry, he actively contributes to sustainable land management and food security.

Profile

Scopus

Orcid

Summary:

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yonggan Zhao stands out as a leading researcher in saline soil reclamation and sustainable agriculture. His pioneering work in using flue gas desulfurization gypsum and biochar for soil improvement has transformed large-scale agricultural lands in China. With a strong research portfolio, numerous patents, and high-impact publications, he has made significant contributions to both academia and industry.

 

🎓 Education

Yonggan Zhao holds a doctoral degree from the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences and currently serves as a Supervisor at Tsinghua University. His research focuses on saline soil reclamation technology, with innovative findings that have been successfully applied to large-scale reclamation practices.

 

🌱Professional Memberships

He serves as the Director of the Saline-Alkali Soil Branch of the Chinese Society of Forestry (ID: 024124304), demonstrating his leadership in the field.

 

🔬Research Focus

His research primarily focuses on salinity management and strategies to enhance grain production capacity in saline-alkali soils, addressing a crucial challenge in sustainable agriculture.

 

 

Contributions and Impact

Yonggan Zhao’s groundbreaking work has unveiled key mechanisms in using flue gas desulfurization gypsum to improve saline-alkali soils. He has proposed innovative techniques for salt and alkali removal while simultaneously enhancing soil fertility. His large-scale reclamation initiatives have successfully added 7,866 hectares of arable land, boosting grain production by 70 million kilograms per year. These efforts have also secured RMB 460 million in technical service funding, reflecting the substantial economic and environmental benefits of his work.

Publications

    • Applying biochar and flue gas desulfurization gypsum in the root zone to improve saline-alkali soil quality and sunflower yield
      • Authors: Tian, R., Wang, S., Liu, J., Yang, J., Zhao, Y.
      • Journal: Nongye Gongcheng Xuebao/Transactions of the Chinese Society of Agricultural Engineering
      • Year: 2024
      • Citations: 2
    • Advances in invention patents related to flue gas desulfurization gypsum amendments for ameliorating saline-alkali soils
      • Authors: Li, M., Tian, R., Li, R., Li, Y., Zhao, Y.
      • Journal: Qinghua Daxue Xuebao/Journal of Tsinghua University
      • Year: 2024
      • Citations: 0
    • A quantitative assessment of the dynamic process and potential capacity of using gypsum to reclaim sodic soil
      • Authors: Zhang, W., Zhang, W., Wang, S., Xu, L., Zhao, Y.
      • Journal: Journal of Soils and Sediments
      • Year: 2023
      • Citations: 3

 

    • Water regime enhances the effects of flue gas desulfurization gypsum on the reclamation of highly saline-sodic soil
      • Authors: Zhang, W., Zhang, W., Zhao, Y., Liu, J., Li, Y.
      • Journal: Land Degradation and Development
      • Year: 2023
      • Citations: 5
    • Practical application of high-sodicity wasteland reclamation with flue gas desulfurization gypsum in the Songnen Plain of China
      • Authors: Zhang, W., Zhang, W., Zhao, Y., Zhou, Y., Xu, L.
      • Journal: Land Degradation and Development
      • Year: 2022
      • Citations: 6
    • Prospects of using flue gas desulfurization gypsum to ameliorate saline-alkaline soils
      • Authors: Zhao, Y., Wang, S., Li, Y., Liu, J., Zhuo, Y.
      • Journal: Qinghua Daxue Xuebao/Journal of Tsinghua University
      • Year: 2022
      • Citations: 10
    • Suitable application of flue gas desulphurized gypsum to improve the sunflower yield in saline-alkali soil in the Hetao irrigation areas of Inner Mongolia
      • Authors: Li, M., Zhang, W., Wang, S., Li, E., Zhong, S.
      • Journal: Nongye Gongcheng Xuebao/Transactions of the Chinese Society of Agricultural Engineering
      • Year: 2022
      • Citations: 10
    • Progress in Research and Engineering Application of Flue Gas Desulfurization Gypsum to Reclaim Saline-Alkali Land
      • Authors: Tian, R., Zhang, W., Li, Y., Zhao, Y., Wang, S.
      • Journal: Ranshao Kexue Yu Jishu/Journal of Combustion Science and Technology
      • Year: 2022
      • Citations: 2

 

    • Fertility and biochemical activity in sodic soils 17 years after reclamation with flue gas desulfurization gypsum (Open Access)
      • Authors: Zhao, Y.-G., Wang, S.-J., Liu, J., Li, Y., Zhang, W.-C.
      • Journal: Journal of Integrative Agriculture
      • Year: 2021
      • Citations: 14

Conclusion:

Given his outstanding research achievements, leadership in soil science, and impactful contributions to sustainable agriculture, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yonggan Zhao is an excellent candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Strengthening his global collaborations and increasing the international impact of his work could further solidify his reputation as a world-leading researcher in this field.

Khandakar Islam | Soil | Award for Soil Education

Published on by Soil Scientist

Dr. Khandakar Islam | Soil | Award for Soil Education

Dr. Khandakar Islam, Ohio State University, United States

Dr. Khandakar Rafiq Islam is a Program Director of Soil, Water, and Bioenergy Resources at The Ohio State University South Centers. He specializes in climate-smart agriculture, soil health, water management, organic farming, carbon sequestration, and phytoremediation. With a Ph.D. in Soil and Environmental Quality from the University of Maryland, he has extensive experience in research, teaching, and international collaboration. A Fulbright Teaching Fellow and recipient of multiple awards, including the Mandela Washington Reciprocal Fellowship, he has led numerous projects on sustainable agriculture and published widely in peer-reviewed journals.

Profile

Scopus

Summary:

Dr. Khandakar Rafiq Islam is an exceptional candidate for the Award for Soil Education due to his extensive teaching, research, mentorship, and international outreach. His expertise in climate-smart agriculture, soil health, and sustainable land management has contributed significantly to soil science education globally. While he has received multiple awards for his research and mentoring, expanding his digital education footprint and public outreach could further strengthen his candidacy.

 

🎓 Education

Rafiq Islam holds a Ph.D. in Soil and Environmental Quality from the University of Maryland, USA. He earned an M.S. in Soil and Water Engineering from the Asian Institute of Technology, Thailand, and a B.S. in Soil and Environmental Sciences from Dhaka University, Bangladesh.

 

💼Experience

Dr. Islam has been the Program Director for Soil, Water, and Bioenergy Resources at The Ohio State University South Centers since 2002. He is also a Faculty Affiliate at the Ohio Sustainability Institute and the School of Environment and Natural Resources. He has taught undergraduate and graduate courses, supervised graduate students, and served as a technical resource person for Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center and OSU Extension Outreach. He has extensive international experience, including serving as a Fulbright Teaching Fellow in Turkey and a Visiting Professor at Satbayev University, Kazakhstan.

 

🔬Research Focus

His research focuses on climate-smart agriculture, sustainable soil and water management, organic farming, biochar applications, carbon sequestration, and phytoremediation of contaminated soils. He has led numerous projects on soil fertility, nutrient management, and conservation agriculture while collaborating internationally on sustainable agricultural initiatives.

 

Awards

Dr. Islam has received numerous honors, including the Mandela Washington Reciprocal Fellowship Award (2024), Washington-Mandela Fellowship Ringleader Award (2023), American Council for International Education Awards (2021, 2019), and the USDA-Borlaug Mentor Award for visits to multiple countries. He was also a Fulbright Teaching Fellow in Turkey and a recipient of the No-Till Researcher and Educator Award from the Ohio No-Till Council.

 

Skills

Dr. Islam specializes in climate-smart agriculture, soil health and water management, organic farming, carbon sequestration, tillage, cover crops, marginal soil restoration, and biomaterial production. His expertise includes plant-induced abiotic and biocontrol services, agricultural research, and mentoring.

 

Publications

  • Impact of gypsum applications and cover crop on soybean (Glycine max) elemental composition
    • Authors: Gonzalez, J.M., Dick, W.A., Watts, D.B., Reeder, R.C., Shedekar, V.S.
    • Journal: Agricultural and Environmental Letters
    • Year: 2025
    • Citations: 0

 

  • Assessing Heavy Metal Contamination for Soil Reclamation: Implications for Sustainable Urban Development
    • Authors: Saparov, G., Dutbayev, Y., Amanzholkyzy, A., Trushin, M., Kozlov, A.
    • Journal: International Journal of Design and Nature and Ecodynamics
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 0

 

  • Predicting Accumulation and Potential Edge-of-Field Loss of Phosphorus to Surface Water from Diverse Ecosystems
    • Authors: Rahman, A., Islam, K.R., Ahsan, S., Didenko, N.O., Sundermeier, A.P.
    • Journal: Water, Air, and Soil Pollution
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 0

 

  • Increased humic materials explain aggregate-protected carbon and nitrogen accumulation in biochar-amended tropical soils
    • Authors: Amoakwah, E., Rahman, M.A., Islam, K.R., Asirifi, I., Arthur, E.
    • Journal: Pedosphere
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 1

 

  • Phytoremediation of contaminated urban soils spiked with heavy metals
    • Authors: Yelikbayev, B.K., Imanbek, F., Jamalova, G.A., Kalogerakis, N.E., Islam, K.R.
    • Journal: Eurasian Journal of Soil Science
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 0

 

  • Cover crops, crop rotation, and gypsum, as conservation practices, impact Mehlich-3 extractable plant nutrients and trace metals
    • Authors: Gonzalez, J.M., Dick, W.A., Islam, K.R., Reeder, R.C., Shedekar, V.S.
    • Journal: International Soil and Water Conservation Research
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 2
  • Forty-two years impact of chemical fertilization on soil phosphorus partition and distribution under rice-based cropping systems
    • Authors: Biswas, C., Ferdous, J., Sarker, R.R., Islam, K.R., Jahangir, M.M.R.
    • Journal: PLoS ONE
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 0

 

  • Mulching to improve sweet potato production
    • Authors: Sapakhova, Z., Islam, K.R., Toishimanov, M., Shamekova, M., Zhambakin, K.
    • Journal: Journal of Agriculture and Food Research
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 1

 

Conclusion:

Dr. Islam’s proven track record in soil science education, mentorship, curriculum development, and international collaboration makes him a highly deserving candidate for the Research Award for Soil Education. His work has empowered students, researchers, and professionals worldwide, ensuring a lasting impact on soil education, sustainability, and global food security. Strengthening digital education and public advocacy could further enhance his contributions to the field.