Sito-obong Udofia | Plant Ecology | Research Excellence Award

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Ms. Sito-obong Udofia | Plant Ecology | Research Excellence Award

Hartpury University | United Kingdom

Ms. Sito-Obong Udofia is a university lecturer, researcher, and PhD candidate in Agriculture with a strong background in crop science, plant protection, and soil–plant monitoring. She holds advanced degrees in Crop Science and Agricultural Science and is currently pursuing doctoral research focused on vegetation cover and farmland sustainability. Her academic experience includes university teaching, student supervision, curriculum delivery, and international research collaboration. Her research interests span plant and soil monitoring, sustainable agriculture, crop protection, data analysis, and advanced sensing technologies. She has received competitive international scholarships, fellowships, and academic awards. Her work reflects a commitment to research-driven solutions, education, inclusivity, and sustainable agricultural development.

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Changlu Hu | Soil Science | Young Scientist Award

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Prof. Dr. Changlu Hu | Soil Science | Young Scientist Award

Northwest A&F University | China

Changlu Hu is an Associate Professor at the College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University. He earned his PhD in Soil Science and MSc in Plant Nutrition Science from Northwest A&F University, following a bachelor’s degree in natural resource sciences. His academic experience centers on dryland agroecosystems, with a strong focus on nitrogen and water management in cereal crops. His research integrates agronomy, soil fertility, and resource-use efficiency to enhance crop productivity while reducing environmental losses. He has led and contributed to nationally funded research projects and published extensively in high-impact journals, contributing to sustainable dryland agriculture and soil–crop system optimization.

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Galal Anis | Plant Genetics | Outstanding Scientist Award

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Prof. Galal Anis | Plant Genetics | Outstanding Scientist Award

Agriculture Research Center | Egypt

Prof. Galal Anis is a senior researcher at the Agriculture Research Center, Egypt, with extensive experience in agricultural sciences and applied research. He holds advanced degrees in agriculture-related disciplines from recognized institutions and has built a strong career in research, innovation, and academic collaboration. His work focuses on improving crop productivity, sustainable agriculture, soil and plant health, and modern farming practices. Prof. Anis has contributed to numerous research projects, peer-reviewed publications, and national agricultural programs. His scientific contributions have earned him professional recognition and awards. He remains committed to advancing agricultural sustainability and supporting evidence-based agricultural development.

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Shoaib Zawar | Plant Stress Physiology | Innovations in Plant Physiology

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Mr. Shoaib Zawar | Plant Stress Physiology | Innovations in Plant Physiology

Muhammad Nawaz Shareef University of Agriculture Multan | Pakistan

Shoaib Zawar is a motivated agronomy researcher with a strong academic background in crop science and sustainable agriculture. He completed his higher education in Agronomy with a specialization in crop physiology at Muhammad Nawaz Shareef University of Agriculture, Multan, Pakistan, where his research focused on enhancing drought tolerance through seed priming and micronutrient management. Shoaib has gained hands-on research and field experience through internships at agronomic research stations and agricultural extension departments, along with advanced laboratory training in analytical techniques such as spectrophotometry, chromatography, and soil–plant analysis tools. His research interests include drought and heat stress physiology, seed priming, nutrient management, climate-smart agriculture, sustainable soil management, and yield optimization in cereal and pulse crops. He has authored and co-authored multiple peer-reviewed publications in reputed agricultural journals, addressing crop productivity, stress mitigation, and sustainable farming practices. Shoaib has actively participated in international conferences and technical workshops related to climate resilience and modern agronomy. His academic excellence has been recognized through competitive scholarships and national-level awards. With a strong commitment to research, innovation, and sustainable food systems, he aims to contribute meaningfully to agricultural development and climate-resilient crop production at both national and global levels.

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Guanghao Li | Crop Science | Research Excellence Award

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Dr. Guanghao Li | Crop Science | Research Excellence Award

Yangzhou University | China

Li Guanghao is an accomplished crop scientist specializing in maize cultivation, yield and quality formation, and stress physiology. He earned his B.Sc. in Seed Science and Engineering at Shandong Agricultural University, followed by a Ph.D. in Crop Cultivation and Tillage at the same institution. After completing a postdoctoral fellowship, he joined the College of Agriculture at Yangzhou University, where he currently serves as an Associate Professor and supervisor of master’s students. Over his career, he has conducted extensive research into improving maize yield, nitrogen use efficiency, and quality, especially under challenging environmental conditions such as weak light stress, through optimizing fertilization and cultivation practices. His projects include national and provincial grants investigating physiological mechanisms underlying yield and quality formation, slow-release fertilizer application, and stress mitigation in waxy maize. He has received recognition for his doctoral dissertation as an outstanding thesis in Shandong Province. His research interest centers on maize physiology, agronomic management, abiotic stress tolerance, and sustainable crop production. With sustained publication output, teaching and mentorship experience, and practical application of research findings, he continues contributing to crop science and promoting high-efficiency, high-quality maize production.

Profile: Orcid

Featured Publications

Liu, J., Li, J., Guo, J., Yang, H., Li, G., & Lu, D. (2025, November 26). Application of exogenous 24-Epibrassinolide at the silking stage alleviates the effects of post-silking heat stress on photosynthetic performance of waxy maize. Agriculture.

Liang, Y., Liu, Q., Zeng, J., Xiong, F., Guo, J., Li, G., & Lu, D. (2024, October 23). Optimizing nitrogen input increased yield and efficiency in maize-soybean strip intercropping system. Agronomy.

Jiang, C., Liang, Y., Wang, Y., You, G., Guo, J., Lu, D., & Li, G. (2024, September 24). Effects of sulfur application on the quality of fresh waxy maize. Plants.

Sun, H., Li, W., Liang, Y., & Li, G. (2023, April 23). Shading stress at different grain filling stages affects dry matter and nitrogen accumulation and remobilization in fresh waxy maize. Plants.

Li, G., Wang, L., Li, L., Lu, D., & Lu, W. (2020, January). Effects of fertilizer management strategies on maize yield and nitrogen use efficiencies under different densities. Agronomy Journal.

Muhammad Usman | Soil Science | Editorial Board Member

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Dr. Muhammad Usman | Soil Science | Editorial Board Member

University of Agriculture Faisalabad | Pakistan

Muhammad Usman is a soil scientist and emerging environmental researcher whose work focuses on soil contamination, heavy metal dynamics, nanoparticles in agriculture, salinity tolerance, and sustainable crop production systems. He holds a PhD in Soil Science from the University of Agriculture Faisalabad, where he also earned his MSc (Hons.) and BSc (Hons.) in Agriculture with specialization in Soil Science. with publications appearing in Chemosphere, Environmental Research, Environmental Pollution, Journal of Hazardous Materials, Plants, Phyton, and Arabian Journal of Geosciences. His research contributions include investigating Cd bioavailability, biochar amendments, nano-fertilizers, salinity stress mitigation, and nutrient dynamics in major crops such as wheat, rice, maize, and lettuce. Professionally, he has served as a Teaching Assistant at the Institute of Soil and Environmental Sciences (UAF) and has industry experience as a Technical Fertilizer Advisor with FMC United Pvt. Ltd. He has attended multiple national and international trainings and received the prestigious ICOBTE-ICHMET 2023 Conference Scholarship for Junior Scientists in Germany. Usman actively contributes to scientific publishing as an editorial board member and peer reviewer. He aims to advance sustainable agriculture through innovative soil management solutions and environmentally safe technologies.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Shaghaleh, H., Akram, T., Zia-ur-Rehman, M., Usman, M., Alhaj Hamoud, Y., Rizwan, M., Alharby, H. F., Alamri, A. M., Alharbi, B. M., & Abdulmajeed, A. M. (2025). Acid-modified biochar mitigates salt stress in maize by enhancing nutrient availability and antioxidant defense system under variable salt-affected soils. Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition.

Muhammad Zia-ur-Rehman, Usman, M., Ahmed, R., Ahmad, A., Akram, T., Maqsood, A., & Aslam, H. (2025). Precision input management for reducing resource wastage and enhancing production efficiency. Agriculture Toward Net Zero Emissions.

Ali, A. A., Lamlom, S. F., El-Sorady, G., Elmahdy, A. M., Abd Elghany, S. H., Usman, M., Alamri, A., Shaghaleh, H., Alhaj Hamoud, Y., & Abdelghany, A. M. (2024). Boosting resilience and yields in water-stressed sunflower through coordinated irrigation scheduling and silica gel applications. Heliyon,.

Alhaj Hamoud, Y., Shaghaleh, H., Zia-ur-Rehman, M., Rizwan, M., Umair, M., Usman, M., Ayub, M. A., Riaz, U., Alnusairi, G. S. H., & Alghanem, S. M. S. (2024). Cadmium and lead accumulation in important food crops due to wastewater irrigation: Pollution index and health risks assessment. Heliyon.

Alhaj Hamoud, Y., Zia-ur-Rehman, M., Kakakhel, I. A. M., Usman, M., Rizwan, M., Shaghaleh, H., Mohiuddin, G., Alzahrani, Y. M., Alharby, H. F., & Alsamadany, H. (2024). Comparative effects of micron-sized silicon sources and Si nanoparticles on growth, defense system and cadmium accumulation in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivated in Cd-contaminated soil. Environmental Technology & Innovation,

Qihong Tu | Soil Science | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Qihong Tu | Soil Science | Best Researcher Award

East China University of Technology | China

Dr. Qihong Tu is an accomplished researcher and educator specializing in soil and fertilizer science, sustainable agriculture, and environmental protection. He holds a Ph.D. in Food Science and Engineering from Nanchang University, a Master’s degree in Crop Cultivation and Farming, and a Bachelor’s degree in Soil Chemistry from Jiangxi Agricultural University. With over 17 years of professional experience, Dr. Tu has served as a Researcher at the Jiangxi Soil and Fertilizer Technology Extension Station, Visiting Scholar at Texas A&M AgriLife Research Center (USA) and the Agriculture Research Center in Okayama (Japan), and currently serves as a Teacher at the East China University of Technology. His research focuses on soil fertility assessment, nitrogen management, green rice production, and sustainable agricultural practices. Dr. Tu has authored numerous peer-reviewed papers in journals such as Scientia Horticulturae, Journal of Food Science, and Minerva Biotecnologica, along with several books and technical standards. He has received multiple national and provincial awards, including the National Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Harvest Prize. With more than 31 citations, an h-index of 3, and over 5 published documents, his contributions to soil fertility enhancement, green agriculture, and carbon sink research have significantly advanced eco-friendly and sustainable farming technologies in China and beyond.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Chen, X., Che, Q., Chen, G., Hu, T., Zhang, J., & Tu, Q. (2025). Estimation of greenhouse gas emissions and analysis of driving factors in Jiangxi Province’s livestock industry from a life cycle perspective. Sustainability.

Tu, Q. (2021). Effect of reducing nitrogen and applying organic fertilizer on nitrogen use efficiency and rice yield in red soil regions of southern China. Journal of Energy, Environmental & Chemical Engineering.

Tu, Q. (2021). Optimizing conditions for the measurement of soil inorganic nitrogen with a micro-plate reader. Global Journal of Agricultural Innovation, Research & Development,

Tu, Q., Zhao, H., & Chen, J. (2015). Optimization of medium for biological potency of fermentation supernatant of Paenibacillus brasilensis YS-1. Minerva Biotecnologica.

Tu, Q. (2013). The preliminary study on isolation of antifungal active substances produced by Paenibacillus brasilensis. Minerva Biotecnologica.

Yang Liu | Plant Ecology | Best Researcher Award

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Ms. Yang Liu | Plant Ecology | Best Researcher Award

Sichuan Agriculture University | China

Liu Yang is a professor at Sichuan Agricultural University (SCAU), where she serves as Deputy Director of the Carbon Sequestration Research Centre within the College of Forestry. She holds a doctoral degree and has established a strong research agenda focusing on ecosystem ecology, soil biology, biogeochemistry, vegetation restoration and climate-change impacts in forest and grassland systems. Since joining the faculty at SCAU, she has led multiple national and provincial research programmes on alpine treeline litter-decomposition, soil microbial enzyme dynamics under warming, and ecological restoration of degraded terrain. Her work on forest-floor litter chemistry and soil microbial community responses has appeared in leading journals, and her record includes more than 114 peer-reviewed articles, over 1755 citations and an h-index of approximately 24. She has been honoured with provincial-level awards for technological progress and holds several utility-model patents addressing field-based warming simulation and nutrient-addition experiments. Committed to advancing the science and application of ecosystem restoration in southwestern China, she engages in international collaboration, graduate education and policy-relevant science. Her research contributes to understanding how forest and grassland ecosystems respond to global change and how restoration strategies can enhance resilience and carbon sequestration.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Li, Q., Chen, Y., Xu, L., Cui, X., Xu, H., Wang, L., You, C., Tian, X., He, X., & Liu, Y. (2025). Loss of plant functional group mediates microbial community assembly in litter decomposition of alpine fir forest. Global Ecology and Conservation.

Li, C., Liu, L., Wu, Z., Wang, W., Wang, S., He, X., Cui, X., Xiao, J., & Liu, Y. (2025). Millipede (Spirobolus walker) prefers feeding on a high-quality litter from a companion species when combined with Masson pine litter. Pedobiologia.

Lei, L., Zeng, J., Liu, Q., Luo, L., Ma, Z., Chen, Y., & Liu, Y. (2024). Effects of soil fauna on the home-field advantage of litter total phenol and condensed tannin decomposition. Forests.

Wang, L., Zhou, Y., Chen, Y., Xu, Z., Zhang, J., & Liu, Y. (2023). Home-field advantage and ability alter labile and recalcitrant litter carbon decomposition in an alpine forest ecotone. Plant and Soil.

Wu, A., You, C., Yin, R., Xu, Z., Zhang, L., Liu, Y., Li, H., Wang, L., Xu, L., Xu, H., et al. (2023). Forest gaps slow the humification process of fir (Abies faxoniana Rehder & E.H. Wilson) twig litter during eight years of decomposition in an alpine forest. Forests.

Samuel Agele | Plant Physiology | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Samuel Agele | Plant Physiology | Best Researcher Award

Federal University of Technology, akure | Nigeria

Professor Samuel Ohikhena Agele is a distinguished academic and researcher in the field of plant environmental physiology and agronomy, currently serving as a Professor and Lead Researcher at the Department of Crop, Soil & Pest Management, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria. He holds a B.Agric., M.Sc. in Desert Science, Ph.D. in Crop Physiology, and a Postgraduate Certificate in Protected Crops & Irrigation. With over 25 Master’s and 20 Ph.D. theses successfully supervised, his academic leadership is well recognized. Professor Agele has held significant administrative roles, including Head of Department (2013–2016) and Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture at the University of Africa, Toru Orua (2017–2019). His research interests encompass soil-plant-climate interactions, conservation agriculture, ecological restoration, and the domestication of medicinal plant species. He has contributed extensively to literature, authoring numerous journal articles and book chapters. His work has been recognized by various professional associations, including the International Horticultural Science Society and the Soil Science Society of Nigeria. Professor Agele’s research has garnered over 390 citations, reflecting his significant impact in his field. His publication count stands at 34, with a predicted h-index of 13.

Profiles: Scopus | Google Scholar 

Featured Publications

Akinseye, F. M., Adam, M., Agele, S. O., Hoffmann, M. P., Traore, P. C. S., & [others]. (2017). Assessing crop model improvements through comparison of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) simulation models: A case study of West African varieties. Field Crops Research, 

Akinseye, F. M., Ajeigbe, H. A., Traore, P. C. S., Agele, S. O., Zemadim, B., & [others]. (2020). Improving sorghum productivity under changing climatic conditions: A modelling approach. Field Crops Research,

Agele, S. O., Iremiren, G. O., & Ojeniyi, S. O. (2000). Effects of tillage and mulching on the growth, development and yield of late-season tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.) in the humid south of Nigeria. The Journal of Agricultural Science, 

Lajide, L., Adedire, C. O., Muse, W. A., & Agele, S. O. (1998). Insecticidal activity of powders of some Nigerian plants against the maize weevil (Sitophilus zeamais Motsch.). The Journal of Agricultural Science, 

Agele, S. O., Iremiren, G. O., & Ojeniyi, S. O. (1999). Effects of plant density and mulching on the performance of late-season tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) in southern Nigeria. The Journal of Agricultural Science, 

Utpol Kumar | Soil Science | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Utpol Kumar | Soil Science | Best Researcher Award

Soil Resource Development Institute | Bangladesh

Dr. Utpol Kumar is a soil scientist with a PhD in Soil Science (Bangladesh Agricultural University, 2022), and earlier MSc (Horticulture, BAU, 2001) and BSc Agriculture (BAU, 1996). He has ~19 years of professional experience with the Soil Resource Development Institute (SRDI), Bangladesh, in roles spanning field-based soil survey & mapping, soil fertility monitoring, fertilizer & soil health card preparation, quality control of fertilizers, and extension/training work for sustainable agriculture. His research interest centers on sustainable and conservation agriculture (including residue retention), integrated nutrient management, soil classification and soil health, land and resource use mapping, and the influence of climatic change on soil fertility. He has authored over 10 international and 6 national peer-reviewed journal articles (among many other publications such as books, bulletins, proceedings), with a current h-index of 4, total citations of 47, and peer-review article count of 6. Awards include selected international trainings (e.g. “Writing for impact” at Murdoch University, agricultural project management in India) and successful projects in food security & soil component work. In conclusion, Dr. Kumar’s work contributes substantially to understanding and improving soil health and sustainable agricultural productivity in the South Asian tropics; his combination of field, laboratory, training and publication work positions him as a capable researcher-practitioner impacting both policy and farmer practice.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Maniruzzaman, M., Cheng, M., Eiti Mony, A. M., Islam, M. A., Kumar, U., Islam, M. J., Nasreen, S. S., Akhter, S., Jahiruddin, M., & Bell, R. W. (2025). Conservation agriculture increases system yield and improves phosphorus balance in rice-based intensive cropping systems. Soil Use and Management.

Kumar, U., Cheng, M., Islam, M. J., Maniruzzaman, M., Nasreen, S. S., Haque, M. E., Akhter, S., Jahiruddin, M., Bell, R. W., & Jahangir, M. M. R. (2025). Are recommended fertilizer rates able to maintain nutrient balance in soil and optimize crop profit in intensive rice-based crop rotations: Evidence from a 20-year study. Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition.

Kumar, U. (2025, January 2). Are recommended fertilizer rates able to maintain nutrient status and balance in soil and optimize crop profit in intensive rice-based crop rotations: Evidence from a 20-year study [Conference abstract]. In Global Symposium on Soil Information and Data: Measure, Monitor, Manage.

Maniruzzaman, M., Cheng, M., Islam, A., Kumar, U., Islam, J., Nasreen, S. S., Haque, E., Akhter, S., Jahiruddin, M., & Bell, R. (2024). Conservation agriculture increases phosphorus pools and stock in the top 30 cm of soil: A three-year study on a subtropical legume–rice rotation. Soil Use and Management.

Kumar, U., Cheng, M., Islam, M. J., Maniruzzaman, M., Nasreen, S. S., Haque, M. E., Hossain, M. B., Jahiruddin, M., Bell, R. W., & Jahangir, M. M. R. (2024). Retention of crop residue increases crop productivity and maintains positive sulfur balance in intensive rice-based cropping systems. Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition.