Abdulaziz G. Alghamdi | Soil Sciences | Best Research Article Award

Assoc Prof Dr. Abdulaziz G. Alghamdi | Soil Sciences | Best Research Article Award

Department Head of Soil Sciences, King Saud University,Saudi Arabia

Dr. Abdulaziz G. Alghamdi is the Chairman of the Soil Sciences Department and an Associate Professor specializing in Soil Physics at the College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia 🌍. With a focus on soil health and environmental sustainability, Dr. Alghamdi has contributed significantly to research on biochar, water retention, and soil contamination 🌱. His work addresses critical challenges in semi-arid regions, earning him recognition in the field of soil science.

Publication Profile

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Education

Dr. Alghamdi completed his B.Sc. in Soil Science (2002) and M.Sc. in Soil Science (2009) at King Saud University, where his master’s thesis focused on heavy metal transport in sandy soils 🎓. He earned his Ph.D. from Kansas State University in 2016, with his research centered on rehabilitating waste materials near mining sites in Kansas, USA 📚.

Experience

Dr. Alghamdi has extensive experience as a researcher and academic leader, currently serving as the Chairman of the Soil Sciences Department at King Saud University 🏫. He has led numerous research projects, mentored students, and collaborated with international institutions, driving innovation in soil science and agronomy 🌾.

Research Focus

His research primarily focuses on soil physical properties, biochar application, water retention, and contamination control 🌿. He investigates the impact of hydrogel and biochar on crop growth, water use efficiency, and soil health in arid environments 🌍. Dr. Alghamdi’s work also extends to assessing the environmental impact of pollutants on soil and groundwater quality 🌊.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Alghamdi’s contributions have earned him various accolades in soil science. His pioneering research in soil sustainability and remediation has been widely recognized in the academic and environmental sectors 🏅.

Publication Top Notes

“Effect of biochar particle size on water retention and availability in a sandy loam soil” (Journal of Saudi Chemical Society, 2020) explores the role of biochar in enhancing soil water retention. Cited by 90 articles, this study highlights innovative soil management practices 🌱.

“Biochar as a potential soil additive for improving soil physical properties—a review” (Arabian Journal of Geosciences, 2018) reviews biochar’s potential in improving soil structure, cited by 77 articles, emphasizing sustainable soil enhancements 🌍.

“Effect of hydrogel on corn growth, water use efficiency, and soil properties in a semi-arid region” (Journal of the Saudi Society of Agricultural Sciences, 2022) investigates hydrogel’s impact on crops, with 41 citations, contributing to water-efficient agriculture 🌾.

“Assessing the environmental impacts of municipal solid waste landfill leachate on groundwater and soil contamination in western Saudi Arabia” (Arabian Journal of Geosciences, 2021) addresses groundwater contamination, cited by 39 articles, offering critical insights into waste management practices 🌊.

Sunanda Biswas | Soil health | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Sunanda Biswas | Soil health | Best Researcher Award

Senior Scientist, Indian Agricultural research Institute, India

Dr. Sunanda Biswas, a distinguished Senior Scientist at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, India, has been awarded the prestigious Best Researcher Award for her groundbreaking work in soil health. 🌱 Her relentless dedication and innovative research methodologies have significantly advanced our understanding of soil ecosystems and their vital role in sustainable agriculture. Through her pioneering studies, Dr. Biswas has contributed immensely to enhancing soil fertility, mitigating soil degradation, and promoting eco-friendly agricultural practices. 🏆 Her passion for soil science exemplifies a commitment to environmental stewardship and agricultural sustainability, inspiring colleagues and future generations of researchers alike. 🌍🔬

Profile

Scopus

Academic Qualification 

Dr. Sunanda Biswas holds an impressive academic journey, culminating in her Ph.D. in Agricultural Chemistry & Soil Science from Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya (BCKV) in 2012, under the guidance of Prof. G. C. Hazra. 🎓 Her thesis, “Assessment of biological health of soils under rice-rice cropping system,” showcased her deep commitment to understanding soil ecosystems. With a consistent academic record, including a B.Sc. in Agriculture in 2006 and an outstanding M.Sc. in Agricultural Chemistry & Soil Science in 2008, Dr. Biswas has laid a solid foundation for her impactful research endeavors. Her academic achievements reflect her dedication to advancing agricultural sustainability and soil health. 🌱🔬

Work experience

Dr. Sunanda Biswas has undertaken a remarkable professional journey, starting as a Senior Research Fellow at Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya (BCKV) in West Bengal from September 2008 to June 2012. 🌱 Her dedication and expertise led her to various roles, including Scientist positions at prestigious institutions such as the National Academy of Agricultural Research and Management in Hyderabad and the Crop Production Division of ICAR-Central Research Institute for Jute and Allied Fibers (CRIJAF) in Kolkata. Over the years, she progressed to Senior Scientist roles at ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) in New Delhi, demonstrating continuous growth and significant contributions to agricultural research and soil science. 🚀

Award/Recognition

Dr. Sunanda Biswas has garnered numerous accolades and recognitions throughout her career, highlighting her exceptional contributions to agricultural research and innovation. 🏅 These include prestigious awards such as the Best Poster Presentation Award from the Society for Fertilizers and Environment at BCKV, WB in 2021, and the Early Career Research Award from SERB, DST under ECRA Scheme in 2018. Her commitment to advancing soil science is evident through her achievements, including Best Oral Presentation and Poster Presentation Awards from various esteemed organizations. 🌱 Additionally, her memberships in professional societies and roles as a reviewer for renowned journals underscore her standing as a respected figure in the field of agricultural science. 🌟

Extension activities

Dr. Sunanda Biswas has been actively involved in various initiatives aimed at promoting soil health and agricultural sustainability. 🌱 As a member of the organizing committee, she orchestrated week-long activities, including symposiums, guest lectures, and field days, to commemorate World Soil Day 2022. Additionally, she contributed to the distribution of soil health cards to farmers in Nadia district of West Bengal and Varanasi district of Uttar Pradesh, derived from her work on a SERB, DST funded project. Through field visits and engagement in programs like “Mera Gaon Mera Gaurav,” she disseminated knowledge on technological advancements in nutrient management and fertilizer application. 🚜 Dr. Biswas’s expertise further shines through her participation as an expert member in Krishi Melas, facilitating scientist-farmer interactions and offering solutions to agricultural challenges. 🌾

Publications Top Notes

Ghorai, P.S., Biswas, S.*, Purakayastha, T. J. “Assessment of soil quality in a 22 years old long term rice-based cropping system of lower Indo-Gangetic plains.” Soil Use & Management, 2022, DOI:10.1111/sum.12847, Impact Factor: 3.67.

Singh, P., Biswas, S.*, Ghoshal, N., De, N., Singh, D. “Impact of thirty-four years of fertilization and manuring on soil organic carbon, available nutrients and yield under rainfed rice-lentil system in an Inceptisol.” Archives of Agronomy and Soil Science, 2022, Impact Factor: 3.09.

Nain, P., Purakayastha, T.J., Sarkar, B., Bhowmik, A., Biswas, S., Kumar, S., Shukla, L., Biswas, D.R., Bandyopadhyay, K.K., Agarwal, B.K. and Saha, N.D. “Nitrogen-enriched biochar co-compost for the amelioration of degraded tropical soil.” Environmental Technology, 2022, DOI:10.1080/09593330.2022.2103742, Impact Factor: 3.47.

Basak, N., Mandal, B., Biswas, S., Basak, P., Mitran, T., Saha, B., Rai, A.K., Alam, M.K., Yadav, A.K. and Datta, A. “Impact of Long Term Nutrient Management on Soil Quality Indices in Rice-Wheat System of Lower Indo-Gangetic Plain.” Sustainability, 2022, Volume 14(11), page 6533, Impact Factor: 3.88.

Das, S., Biswas, S.*, Purakayastha, T. J., Das, T. K., Biswas, D. R., Bhattacharya, R., Ramakrishnan, B., Gawade, B. H., Yadav, R., Singh, P., Ghorai, P. S. “Soil health and crop productivity under conservation agriculture based rice-wheat cropping system in Inceptisol of sub-tropical India.” Soil & Tillage Research, 2022, (Communicated), Impact Factor: 5.37.