Xiaohua Long | Soil Sciences | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Xiaohua Long | Soil Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Inner Mongolia Agricultural University | China

Dr. Xiaohua Long, from Danyang, Jiangsu, earned his PhD from Nanjing Agricultural University in 2007, specializing in stress-tolerant plant breeding, comprehensive utilization of crops, and reclamation and development of salt-alkali soils. He has led or participated in over 40 national and provincial research projects, contributing to transformative agricultural practices, and has published more than 160 research papers, including over 70 SCI-indexed articles as first or corresponding author. His innovative work has resulted in 30+ patent applications, including 18 authorized invention patents and seven utility model patents, alongside two provincially approved crop varieties. Recognized with more than 10 provincial and ministerial awards, Dr. Xiaohua Long achievements include national and provincial technology awards, the Shennong Chinese Agricultural Science and Technology Award, and multiple industry-academia collaboration honors. His research leadership spans major projects addressing coastal salt-alkali soil improvement, ecological high-value agriculture, and stress-resilient crops, with applications in sustainable agriculture and land reclamation. With 98 documented publications indexed by Scopus, 2,893 citations, and an h-index of 31, Dr. Xiaohua Long’s work demonstrates both high productivity and significant scientific impact, establishing him as a leading researcher in plant stress physiology and salt-alkali land management.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications

Long, X., et al. (2025). Identification and characterization of copper-responsive miRNAs and their target genes in Jerusalem artichoke. Plants.

Long, X., et al. (2024). Transcriptome analysis reveals the molecular mechanisms underlying the enhancement of salt-tolerance in Melia azedarach under salinity stress. Scientific Reports.

Long, X., et al. (2024). Planting trees on sandy saline soil increases soil carbon and nitrogen content by altering the composition of the microbial community. Agronomy.

Long, X., et al. (2024). Unveiling HSP40/60/70/90/100 gene families and abiotic stress response in Jerusalem artichoke. Gene.

Long, X., et al. (2024). Identification and expression analysis of miR396 and its target genes in Jerusalem artichoke under temperature stress. Gene.

Long, X., et al. (2023). Amelioration of saline-alkali land by cultivating Melia azedarach and characterization of underlying mechanisms via metabolome analysis. Land Degradation and Development.

Long, X., et al. (2023). Salt stress affects the biomass of industrial crop Jerusalem artichoke by affecting sugar transport and metabolism. Heliyon.

Ramin SamieiFard | Soil Science | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Ramin SamieiFard | Soil Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Ramin SamieiFard, Pennsylvania State University, United States

Dr. Ramin SamieiFard is a soil scientist with a Ph.D. in Soil Management and Land Resources from the University of Tehran. He is currently a Research Assistant at Penn State University, specializing in soil genesis, remote sensing, and GIS. Dr. SamieiFard has extensive teaching experience at universities in Iran and the US, covering subjects like organic fertilizers and precision agriculture. His research includes geopedology, heavy metal adsorption, and soil quality indicators. An author of numerous publications, he has also presented at international conferences and holds a patent in agricultural technology. 🌍📚🌱

Publication Profile

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Education 🎓

Dr. SamieiFard earned his Ph.D. in Soil Management and Land Resources from the University of Tehran in 2022. He holds an M.Sc. in Soil Science from Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz and a B.Sc. in Soil Science from the University of Tehran.

Professional Experience 💼

He has served as a Research Assistant/Associate at Penn State University since 2023 and was an Assistant Professor at Razi University. He also managed organic fertilizer farms at the University of Tehran and Shahid Chamran University.

Teaching Experience 📚

Dr. SamieiFard has lectured at various universities, including Penn State and Razi University, on topics such as Precision Agriculture Technology, Remote Sensing, and GIS in Soil Sciences.

 

Research Focus

Dr. R. Samiei-Fard’s research focuses on soil science and environmental geochemistry, particularly in the context of soil contamination and remediation. His work encompasses the use of spectroscopy, remote sensing, and statistical models to predict and map soil heavy metals and other pollutants. Additionally, he investigates the adsorption properties of minerals like sepiolite for removing heavy metals from multi-ionic solutions and the impacts of soil amendments on fertility and plant growth. Dr. Samiei-Fard’s studies are crucial for understanding soil health, developing sustainable agricultural practices, and mitigating environmental pollution. 🌍🧪📊📡🌱

Publication Top Notes

  • Capability of vis-NIR spectroscopy and Landsat 8 spectral data to predict soil heavy metals in polluted agricultural land (Iran) – R Samiei Fard, HR Matinfar, Arabian Journal of Geosciences 9, 1-14, 2016. Cited by: 38 📊🌍
  • Adsorption of Cd, Co, and Zn from multi-ionic solutions onto Iranian sepiolite isotherms – R Samieifard, A Landi, N Pourreza, Central Asian Journal of Environmental Science and Technology Innovation 2, 2021. Cited by: 14 🧪⚗️
  • Application of particle size distribution throughout the soil profile as a criterion for recognition of newly developed geoforms in the Southeastern Caspian coast – R Samiei-Fard, A Heidari, M Konyushkova, S Mahmoodi, Catena 203, 105362, 2021. Cited by: 7 📏📊
  • Geochemical characteristics of saline soils formed during the recent retreat of the Caspian Sea – A Heidari, R Samiei-Fard, Catena 243, 108208, 2024. 🌊🧪
  • The Effect of Using a Geopedological Approach in Determining Land Quality Indicators, Land Degradation, and Development (Case Study: Caspian Sea Coast) – R Samiei-Fard, A Heidari, PJ Drohan, S Mahmoodi, S Ghatrehsamani, Environments 11 (20), 2024. 🌍🧪
  • Testing the Effect of Biochar and Biochar-Based Organic Amendments on Soil Fertility and Plant Growth: A Greenhouse Study – E Bazilevskaya, M Robbins, R SamieiFard, A Colestock, ASA, CSSA, SSSA International Annual Meeting, 2023. 🌱🌿
  • Assessment of Some Kriging Methods for Mapping the Soil Electrical Conductivity: Case Study of Southeastern Coast of Caspian Sea of Iran – R Samieifard, A Heidari, PJ Drohan, Journal of Global Ecology and Environment 13 (1), 12-21, 2021. 🗺️⚡
  • Use of Partial Least Squares Regression Model (PLSR) for Providing Organic Carbon Special Distribution Map of Caspian Sea Coastal Soils – M SamieiFard, R., Heidari, A., Mahmoodi, S., Konyushkova, 16th Iranian Soil Sciences Congress, 2019. 🌱📊
  • Preparation of the Calcium Carbonate Spatial Distribution Map of Caspian Sea Coastal Soils Using Partial Least Squares Regression Model (PLSR) – M SamieiFard, R., Heidari, A., Mahmoodi, S., Konyushkova, 16th Iranian Soil Sciences Congress, 2019. 🌍📊
  • Assessment of Visible and Near-Infrared Spectroscopy in Estimation of Lead and Nickel Heavy Metals Content in Soil (Case Study: Rey Lands) – RS Fard, H Matinfar, JWSS-Isfahan University of Technology 21 (4), 201-214, 2018. 🔬📊

Upendra Sainju | Soil Science Award | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Upendra Sainju | Soil Science Award | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Upendra Sainju, USDA-ARS, Northern Plains Agricultural Research Laboratory, Sidney, MT 59270, United States

Dr. Upendra Sainju is a distinguished Soil Scientist with a Ph.D. in Soil Science from the University of Kentucky (1989). He holds an M.S. from the University of Florida (1982) and a B.S. in Agriculture from the University of Udaipur, India (1973). Dr. Sainju has been a Research Soil Scientist at USDA-ARS-NPARL in Sidney, MT since 2004, progressing from GS-12 to GS-15. His career spans roles as a Research Associate at Fort Valley State University and postdoctoral positions at Washington State University and Rutgers University. His expertise in soil science and agriculture has significantly contributed to the field. 🌱📚

Publication Profile

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🌱 Education

Dr. Upendra Sainju earned his Ph.D. in Soil Science from the University of Kentucky in 1989. He holds an M.S. in Soil Science from the University of Florida (1982) and a B.S. in Agriculture from the University of Udaipur, India (1973).

📚 Professional History

Dr. Sainju has served as a Research Soil Scientist at USDA-ARS-NPARL in Sidney, MT since 2004, advancing from GS-12 to GS-15. His previous roles include Research Associate at Fort Valley State University, and Postdoctoral Associate positions at Washington State University and Rutgers University. He also served as a Visiting Professor at Tribhuvan University, Nepal.

🏆 Honors and Awards

Dr. Sainju received the USAID scholarships for his studies in India and Florida. He was awarded the Outstanding Scientist Award by Fort Valley State University in 2004. He is a Fellow of both the Soil Science Society of America (2014) and the American Society of Agronomy (2015). His exceptional contributions earned him USDA-ARS Certificate of Merit Awards (2011-2019) and recognition for a keynote presentation in Cape Town, South Africa (2016).

 

Research Focus

Dr. Upendra Sainju’s research primarily focuses on soil science and sustainable agriculture. 🌾 His work explores the effects of tillage, cover crops, and nitrogen fertilization on soil organic carbon and nitrogen. He investigates soil carbon dioxide emissions, soil carbon sequestration, and nitrogen mineralization in various cropping systems. His studies also delve into the impact of cover crops on soil properties, microbial biomass, and overall soil health. 🌱 Dr. Sainju’s research aims to enhance agricultural practices for improved soil management and sustainability, contributing valuable insights to both environmental quality and crop productivity. 🌍📈

 

Publication Top Notes

  • Long-term effects of tillage, cover crops, and nitrogen fertilization on organic carbon and nitrogen concentrations in sandy loam soils in Georgia, USA 🌾 – 447 citations, 2002
  • Winter cover crop effects on soil organic carbon and carbohydrate in soil 🍂 – 438 citations, 1997
  • Mineral nutrition of tomato 🍅 – 339 citations, 2003
  • Soil carbon dioxide emission and carbon content as affected by irrigation, tillage, cropping system, and nitrogen fertilization 🌍 – 283 citations, 2008
  • Winter cover cropping influence on nitrogen in soil 🌾 – 265 citations, 1997
  • Biculture legume–cereal cover crops for enhanced biomass yield and carbon and nitrogen 🌱 – 263 citations, 2005
  • Winter cover crops for sustainable agricultural systems: influence on soil properties, water quality, and crop yields 🌿 – 260 citations, 1997
  • Nitrogen mineralization and availability of mixed leguminous and non-leguminous cover crop residues in soil 🌾 – 257 citations, 1998
  • Cover crops and nitrogen fertilization effects on soil aggregation and carbon and nitrogen pools 🏞️ – 255 citations, 2003
  • Tillage, crop residue, and nutrient management effects on soil organic carbon in rice-based cropping systems: A review 🍚 – 236 citations, 2017
  • Carbon dioxide flux as affected by tillage and irrigation in soil converted from perennial forages to annual crops 🌱 – 217 citations, 2008
  • Soil carbon and nitrogen sequestration as affected by long-term tillage, cropping systems, and nitrogen fertilizer sources 🌾 – 216 citations, 2008
  • Cover crop root distribution and its effects on soil nitrogen cycling 🌿 – 205 citations, 1998
  • Tillage, cover crop, and kill‐planting date effects on corn yield and soil nitrogen 🌽 – 185 citations, 2001
  • Carbon supply and storage in tilled and nontilled soils as influenced by cover crops and nitrogen fertilization 🌱 – 178 citations, 2006
  • Tillage, cover crops, and nitrogen fertilization effects on soil nitrogen and cotton and sorghum yields 🌾 – 158 citations, 2006
  • Cover crop effect on soil carbon fractions under conservation tillage cotton 🌿 – 153 citations, 2007
  • Cover cropping enhances soil microbial biomass and affects microbial community structure: A meta-analysis 🦠 – 150 citations, 2021
  • North American soil degradation: Processes, practices, and mitigating strategies 🌍 – 150 citations, 2015
  • Regulation of soil CO2 and N2O emissions by cover crops: A meta-analysis 🌾 – 148 citations, 2019

David Clay | Soil Science Award | Best Researcher Award

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Prof Dr. David Clay | Soil Science Award | Best Researcher Award

Prof Dr. David Clay, South Dakota State University, United States

🌱 David Edward Clay, Distinguished Professor of Plant Science and holder of the SD Corn Endowed Chair in Precision Farming at South Dakota State University, is a leading expert in soil science and precision agriculture. With a Ph.D. in Soil Biogeochemistry, his research spans over 300 papers and numerous awards, including two ASA Precision Agriculture Systems Impact Awards. Clay’s work focuses on sustainable agricultural practices, including phytoremediation and carbon sequestration. As a prolific author and editor, he contributes significantly to agronomy literature. His dedication to advancing agricultural knowledge and training future generations is evident through his extensive teaching and leadership roles. 🌾

Publication Profile:

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Education:

🎓 David Edward Clay’s academic journey began with a B.S. in Soil Science and Natural Resources from the University of Wisconsin in 1976. He furthered his studies with an M.S. in Soil Fertility from the University of Idaho in 1984, exploring nitrogen’s impact on strawberry production. Clay then pursued a Ph.D. in Soil Biogeochemistry at the University of Minnesota, St. Paul, focusing on the intricate relationships between nitrogen, tillage, residue management, and corn production. His post-doctoral research at the university’s Water Quality Center from 1988 to 1990 deepened his expertise. Clay’s commitment to continuous growth is evident in his completion of leadership training in 2010. 🌱

 

Awards:

🏆 Throughout his illustrious career, David Edward Clay has amassed a collection of prestigious awards and accolades, affirming his dedication to excellence in agricultural research and education. From the Ag/Biol College Deans Award for Research Excellence in 1994 to the USDA-ARS Collaboration Award in 2006, Clay’s contributions have been consistently recognized. Notably, his promotion to Distinguished Professor in 2019 and selection as the SD Corn Endowed Chair in Precision Farming in 2022 underscore his significant impact on the field. Awards such as the PrecisionAG Award of Excellence and ASA Precision Agriculture Systems Impact Award further highlight Clay’s pioneering work in precision agriculture. 🌾

 

Research Focus:

🔬 David Edward Clay’s research focus primarily revolves around soil science, precision agriculture, and environmental sustainability. With a keen interest in soil properties and their interactions with agricultural practices, he explores topics such as nutrient management, soil health, and water stress responses in crops. Clay’s work delves into the application of innovative technologies like remote sensing and GIS in agriculture, aiming to enhance productivity while minimizing environmental impact. His expertise in soil-electrical conductivity and its correlation with soil properties underscores his commitment to advancing precision farming techniques. Through interdisciplinary approaches, Clay contributes significantly to optimizing agricultural systems for sustainable food production. 🌱

 

Publication Top Notes:

Relating apparent electrical conductivity to soil properties across the north-central USA 🌱 (2005) – Cited by 511
📚 Phosphorus sorption and availability from biochars and soil/biochar mixtures 🌱 (2014) – Cited by 425
📚 Cover crop and soil quality interactions in agroecosystems 🌱 (1998) – Cited by 337
📚 Nitrate sorption and desorption in biochars from fast pyrolysis 🌱 (2013) – Cited by 252
📚 Ammonia volatilization from urea as influenced by soil temperature, soil water content, and nitrification and hydrolysis inhibitors 🌱 (1990) – Cited by 201
📚 Molecular characterization of biochars and their influence on microbiological properties of soil 🌱 (2014) – Cited by 177
📚 Using soil electrical conductivity to improve nutrient management 🌱 (2003) – Cited by 162
📚 Characterizing water and nitrogen stress in corn using remote sensing 🌱 (2006) – Cited by 159
📚 Sewage sludge organic matter and soil properties 🌱 (1986) – Cited by 152
📚 Do synergistic relationships between nitrogen and water influence the ability of corn to use nitrogen derived from fertilizer and soil? 🌱 (2008) – Cited by 140