Dr. Fengliang Zhao | Soil Amendment and Crop Nutrition | Best Researcher Award
Researcher at Environment and Plant Protection Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Science, China
Dr. Fengliang Zhao is an esteemed associate researcher at the Environment and Plant Protection Institute (EPPI), affiliated with the Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences (CATAS). He also serves as a master’s supervisor at Hainan University, Guizhou Minzu University, and Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University. With a Ph.D. in a relevant agricultural field, Dr. Zhao has developed a robust academic and research profile centered on soil science, crop nutrition, and environmental sustainability. His work aims to bridge the gap between sustainable agriculture and ecosystem health, particularly focusing on phytoremediation and improving soil physicochemical properties through innovative agronomic practices.
He has published over 80 scholarly articles, 45 of which are indexed in SCI journals, reflecting a strong presence in global scientific discourse. Dr. Zhao has also secured and led 16 research grants, showcasing his leadership and dedication to agricultural development, carbon sequestration, and fertilizer innovation. His research efforts not only advance academic understanding but also contribute significantly to practical solutions for improving crop yields and reducing environmental degradation. His collaborative spirit and global exposure, including a visiting scholar position at the University of Florida, further enhance his professional impact in the fields of soil fertility and crop sustainability.
Profile
Education
Dr. Zhao’s holds a Ph.D. in agricultural sciences or a closely related discipline, such as soil science or environmental agronomy. His educational training laid a solid foundation for his specialized research in soil fertility, crop nutrition, and sustainable agricultural practices. The quality and depth of his work suggest that he underwent rigorous academic training, including research methodology, field experimentation, data analysis, and scientific communication.
As a researcher affiliated with top Chinese agricultural institutions and an academic mentor at multiple universities, Dr. Zhao’s educational journey has likely included coursework and research experience in biogeochemistry, plant-soil interactions, environmental science, and agroecology. His international exposure—evident from his research collaborations and his visiting scholar role at the University of Florida—suggests participation in academic exchange programs or international doctoral/postdoctoral training. This broad academic foundation enables him to navigate complex research challenges and design integrated, interdisciplinary solutions for current environmental and agricultural issues.
Professional Experience
Dr. Fengliang Zhao has established a progressive and internationally-influential career in agricultural and environmental research. Since January 2017, he has held the position of Associate Professor at EPPI-CATAS, where he spearheads critical projects on soil fertility and sustainable agricultural technologies. His leadership at this institute has enabled the integration of innovative techniques for enhancing tropical soil conditions and reducing environmental risks from crop production.
Between September 2018 and October 2020, Dr. Zhao was an assistant researcher and visiting scholar at the University of Florida, USA. This role provided him with global exposure and allowed him to collaborate on transnational research projects, further deepening his expertise in phytoremediation, carbon sequestration, and biochar applications. Prior to this, he served as Assistant Professor at EPPI-CATAS from July 2012 to December 2016, focusing on the application of nanofertilizers, nutrient cycling, and agro-environmental modeling.
Dr. Zhao’s professional journey demonstrates a strong blend of fieldwork, academic publishing, and scientific leadership. His consistent rise through the ranks of academia and research institutions speaks to his expertise, work ethic, and scientific contributions in the realm of tropical agriculture and sustainable land management.
Research Interest
Dr. Fengliang Zhao’s research interests lie at the nexus of soil science, crop productivity, and environmental sustainability. His core focus is on understanding the role of soil physicochemical properties in shaping agricultural outcomes and ecosystem health. With a particular emphasis on tropical agriculture, Dr. Zhao investigates soil fertility enhancement, nutrient cycling, and phytoremediation technologies to combat water and soil pollution.
His studies encompass the effects of nanofertilizers, carbon nanoparticles, and biochar on plant growth, nutrient uptake, and greenhouse gas emissions. He is especially interested in sustainable production systems and the interplay between agricultural management practices and environmental impact. His work often explores nitrogen and carbon transformations in soils under different cropping systems, including rice-vegetable rotations and banana cultivation, with the aim of reducing nutrient loss and improving carbon sequestration.
In addition, Dr. Zhao explores integrated pollution control strategies, particularly those addressing non-point source pollution from intensive agricultural systems. His research is vital for developing environmentally friendly agricultural technologies that sustain high productivity while protecting natural resources. He maintains a strong commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration, leveraging tools from chemistry, ecology, and agronomy to drive impactful innovations in the field.
Research Skills
Dr. Fengliang Zhao possesses an extensive skill set in experimental design, soil and plant analysis, and environmental impact assessment, with a specialized focus on agronomic and soil science research. His technical proficiencies include analyzing soil nutrient dynamics, implementing phytoremediation systems, and using nanotechnology to enhance crop performance and sustainability.
He is adept in the application of biochar, nanoparticles, and other soil amendments to influence microbial activity, nutrient retention, and carbon cycling. Dr. Zhao is skilled in conducting controlled and field-scale experiments that examine the interactions between soil properties, fertilizer efficiency, and crop yield. His ability to integrate data-driven insights with ecological principles sets him apart as a methodologically rigorous and solution-oriented researcher.
His expertise also extends to statistical modeling, meta-analysis, and the interpretation of geochemical data related to environmental pollution and soil health. Furthermore, his experience in writing scientific reports, managing research projects, and mentoring graduate students demonstrates his leadership and collaborative abilities. The breadth of his competencies enables him to contribute meaningfully to multidisciplinary research teams and agricultural policy development initiatives.
Award and Honors
Dr. Fengliang Zhao has received notable recognition for his scientific leadership and innovation in sustainable agriculture. While specific honors and awards are not explicitly mentioned in the profile, his successful acquisition of 16 competitive research grants reflects his high standing in the scientific community and the trust placed in him by funding institutions.
Among the prominent funded projects are studies on coastal sandy soil improvement, biochar applications, and nanofertilizer efficiency—research that contributes significantly to both academic progress and practical solutions in environmental protection. His appointment as a master’s supervisor at multiple universities highlights his academic excellence and mentorship capabilities.
Dr. Zhao’s inclusion in multiple international publications indexed by SCI and his role as a visiting scholar at the University of Florida are also indicators of his peer recognition and global academic reputation. These accomplishments showcase his commitment to driving agricultural innovation and affirm his status as a leading figure in environmental agronomy and soil science in China and beyond.
Publications
Dr. Fengliang Zhao has authored an impressive 81 peer-reviewed publications, including 45 SCI-indexed articles, making him a prolific contributor to the global scientific community in agriculture and environmental sciences. His research has appeared in high-impact journals such as Geoderma, Scientific Reports, Environmental and Experimental Botany, Polish Journal of Environmental Studies, and Nanomaterials.
His publications focus on the application of biochar, nanomaterials, and other innovative solutions to enhance soil fertility, reduce nitrogen loss, and improve crop performance. Many of his studies explore tropical agriculture systems and their responses to sustainable amendments, such as coconut shell biochar and nanosilica. His work also extends to phytoremediation and nutrient uptake dynamics, particularly using wetland and high-yield crops in low-fertility or saline soils.
Through his publications, Dr. Zhao not only advances academic understanding but also provides applicable strategies for mitigating climate change and improving food security. His collaborations with international researchers highlight his commitment to interdisciplinary science and his role as a thought leader in modern agricultural sustainability.
Conclusion
Dr. Fengliang Zhao exemplifies scientific excellence through his impactful research, academic contributions, and unwavering commitment to sustainable agriculture. His multidisciplinary expertise in soil science, crop nutrition, and environmental remediation positions him at the forefront of agricultural innovation. Over the course of his career, he has not only produced a significant body of literature but also led numerous transformative research projects that directly address global challenges in food production and environmental health.
His work is rooted in a strong scientific foundation and enriched by international collaboration and mentorship. Dr. Zhao’s contributions extend beyond research, influencing academic development and field-based applications across China and internationally. His research continues to inform sustainable agricultural practices, policy-making, and technological advancement. As a result, he is recognized as a valuable asset in the field of environmental agronomy and a key advocate for integrating science with practice for a resilient agricultural future.