Waste Management for Sustainable and Restored Agricultural Soil

Dr. Vijay Singh Meena has made remarkable contributions in the field of agricultural research, aligning his efforts with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Particularly, his work focuses on evaluating and promoting climate-resilient technologies for diverse cropping systems, directly contributing to SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 13 (Climate Action). His expertise lies in optimizing input usage, fostering carbon-neutral farming practices, and enhancing productivity and profitability in agriculture, which are integral to achieving SDG 2 by ensuring food security and promoting sustainable agriculture. Furthermore, his initiatives in evaluating climate-resilient technologies align with SDG 13 by addressing climate change impacts and promoting adaptation measures in agriculture. Dr. Meena's academic background in Soil Science and Cropping System Management, coupled with his extensive research experience, has equipped him with a profound understanding of cropping systems. His expertise in input optimization, quantitative cropping systems analysis, and soil health management has significantly contributed to improving livelihoods in South Asia, thus supporting SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 2. Furthermore, Dr. Meena has been recognized for his scientific excellence, receiving prestigious awards such as the INSA Young Scientist Award and the IASWC Budding Scientist Award, which further highlights his contributions towards achieving the SDGs. In summary, Dr. Vijay Singh Meena's outstanding achievements, leadership abilities, and commitment to agricultural innovation directly contribute to advancing the SDGs, particularly SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 13 (Climate Action), and make him a valuable asset in promoting climate-resilient agriculture and sustainable food systems. Amitava Rakshit is a faculty member of the Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry at the Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University. His research areas include nutrient use efficiency, simulations modelling, organic farming, integrated nutrient management, and bioremediation. His consulting capabilities are composting techniques, soil health management, and input quality control. He is currently the Chief Editor of the International Journal of Agriculture Environment and Biotechnology. He is a member of the Global Forum on Food Security and Nutrition of FAO, Rome, and the Commission on Ecosystem Management of International Union for Conservation of Nature. Murli Dhar Meena worked on sustainable management of municipal solid waste, industrial waste and crop residues with enrichment of local sources of nutrients and use as an alternative of costly chemical fertilizers for maintaining soil health as well as improving crop productivity. He also developed low-cost organic fertilizers by using municipal solid waste and locally available low-grade sources of nutrients and make them available to plants through composting technology. Major findings are restoration of soil fertility by means of using organic sources of nutrients along with recommended dose of chemical fertilizers, nutrients availability as well as soil health and crop yield was significantly higher than alone use of costly chemical fertilizers. He developed low-cost organic amendments for reclamation of salt-affected soils as an alternative of chemical amendments. BASLAM Marouane is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Applied Biological Chemistry, Faculty of Agriculture, at the Niigata University (Niigata, Japan). He earned his PhD from Navarra University (Spain), followed by postodoctoral work at The Spanish National Research Council (CSIC, Spain). Dr Baslam’s first interest is to screen for new biostimulants/bioprotectors agents/compounds by exploring natural sources as new solution to change the future of agriculture and to ensure food security while preserving natural resources and providing business opportunities for farmers. He uses a wide range of cutting-edge biochemical, physiological, and genetic techniques to investigate plant-microorganism and plant-volatile compounds interactions. In addition, Dr Baslam investigates environmentally-friendly tools that secure improved crop performance, nutrient efficiency, quality/functionality, and yield stability under optimal and sub-optimal growing conditions (e.g., salinity, drought, nutrient deficiency and toxicity, heavy metal contaminations). He also explores potential contributions of the effect and the molecular and physiological mechanisms governing any increases in yield and/or quality/functionality. Dr. IMR Fattah is a postdoctoral fellow in the School of ISM, Faculty of Engineering and IT at the University of Technology Sydney where he is researching the effective use of waste for sustainable energy applications. His research interests stem from the Ph.D. in the combustion of renewable fuels completed at the University of New South Wales in 2019 where he focussed on the reduction of emissions (particularly PM/soot) from diesel combustion. He is actively engaged in the field by publishing over 50 articles and gaining over 4500 citations of his works. He is serving as an Editorial board member at Energies and managing three special issues as 'Guest Editor'. He has also peer-reviewed over 150 journal articles throughout his career. Dr. IMR Fattah would like to remain at the forefront of research in the field of renewable and sustainable energy. Prof. Lam holds a PhD in Chemical Engineering from Cambridge University, and is currently a Professor and the Deputy Director of International Centre of Universiti Malaysia Terengganu.He leads a research group working mainly on Chemical & Environmental Engineering, focusing on Waste & Biomass Utilization, Thermal Process (Pyrolysis, Gasification, Microwave Heating), Clean Technology. Lam is active in research on the application of pyrolysis and microwave heating in transforming waste and biomass into energy, green chemicals, valued-added products applicable to industry and environmental protection.He has secured 29 research grants, both international and in Malaysia, publishing over 230 papers, some of which are published in journals such as Lancet, Nature, Science, and Progress in Energy and Combustion Science, receiving a H-index of 43 and >5000 citations in Google Scholar, and file patent and commercialize inventions from his research team. Dr. James Seutra Kaba is a distinguished Agronomist and Agroforestry Scientist affiliated with Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Ghana. With a strong background in agronomy and agroforestry, Dr. Kaba is committed to advancing sustainable agricultural practices in Ghana and beyond. At KNUST, Dr. Kaba contributes to research, teaching, and outreach activities aimed at promoting agroforestry systems and improving agricultural productivity while preserving natural resources. His research interests include soil fertility management, crop diversification, and the integration of trees into farming systems to enhance resilience and sustainability. Through his expertise and dedication, Dr. Kaba plays a crucial role in training the next generation of agricultural professionals and developing innovative solutions to address food security challenges in Ghana and other regions. His contributions to agronomy and agroforestry science have earned him recognition and respect both locally and internationally.