Nkosinomusa Buthelezi-Dube Be | Soil Science | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Nkosinomusa Buthelezi-Dube Be | Soil Science | Research Excellence Award

University of KwaZulu-Natal | South Africa

Dr. Nkosinomusa N. Buthelezi-Dube is a Senior Lecturer in Soil Science at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, and an NRF Y2-rated researcher recognized for her scholarly contribution to pedology, soil fertility, and sustainable land use management. Her research integrates scientific soil analysis with Indigenous knowledge systems to advance precision soil mapping, sustainable nutrient management, and agroecological practices in both smallholder and commercial farming environments. Her work advances understanding of soil biogeochemical cycles, particularly carbon and nitrogen dynamics, and explores how long-term land-use practices influence soil health, productivity, and climate resilience. Dr. Buthelezi-Dube has authored numerous peer-reviewed journal articles in international high-impact journals such as Geoderma, Scientific Reports, Heliyon, PLOS One, and Soil Use and Management. Her research contributions extend to soil carbon stability, liming interventions, biochar impacts, and land degradation processes. She has collaborated globally with academic and applied research partners and has presented her work at leading international conferences including the World Congress of Soil Science, Wageningen Soil Conference, and Eurosoil. Her scientific leadership includes serving as Principal Investigator on major competitive grants from the National Research Foundation and Water Research Commission, as well as fostering new institutional collaborations such as the MoU between PhosAgro (Russia) and UKZN. Beyond research, she has significantly contributed to academic training, supervising numerous MSc and PhD students and examining postgraduate theses across South African universities. She also serves as a reviewer for international journals and funding agencies and has held roles in curriculum development, governance committees, and scientific organizations including the Soil Science Society of South Africa and the International Union of Soil Science. Committed to advancing sustainable soil management and knowledge democratization, Dr. Buthelezi-Dube’s work continues to shape soil governance, climate adaptation strategies, and agricultural development initiatives across Africa and beyond.

Profile: Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

Buthelezi, K., Kibirige, D. M. K., & Buthelezi-Dube, N. N. (2025). The evolution of methods and tools used to assess soil health indicators: A scoping review. SSRN.

Buthelezi-Dube, N. N., & Sithole, Z. (2025). Acidification-driven soil phosphorus fractionation following long-term fertilization and cessation at Ukulinga mesic grassland in South Africa. Scientific Reports.

Buthelezi, K., & Buthelezi-Dube, N. (2025). Long-term effects of nitrogen and lime application on plant–microbial interactions and soil carbon stability in a semi-arid grassland. Plants.

Leshalagae, M., & Buthelezi-Dube, N. N. (2023). Impact of topsoil mining for unfired mudbricks on soil quality in eastern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Land Degradation & Development.

Vilakazi, S. P., Muchaonyerwa, P., & Buthelezi-Dube, N. N. (2023). Characteristics and liming potential of biochar types from potato waste and pine-bark. PLOS ONE.

Beyene Dobo | Soil Science | Best Researcher Award

Assoc Prof Dr Beyene Dobo | Soil Science | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor of Microbiology at  Hawassa University, Ethiopia

Beyene Dobo Bono is a highly accomplished academic based at Hawassa University, Ethiopia, specializing in biology and soil microbiology. He has made significant contributions to both education and research in environmental sustainability and microbiology, particularly in Ethiopia’s agroecological zones.

 

Profile:

Education

Beyene’s educational journey began with a College Diploma in Biology (major) and Chemistry (minor) from Kotebe College of Teacher Education in 1983. He went on to earn a BSc and MSc in Biology/Microbiology from Mechinikov State University of Odessa, Ukraine, in 1992. He later obtained a Higher Diploma License from Debub University, Dill College of Teacher Education in 2006. In 2012, he completed a NOVA PhD Course on Tropical Soils and received his PhD in Soil Science (Soil Microbiology) from Haramaya University in 2016.

Work Experience

Beyene has an extensive career in teaching and research, particularly in the application of bio-fertilizers for cereal and pulse crop production. He has contributed to enhancing sustainable agriculture practices in Ethiopia by researching the diversity and application of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and rhizobium. His professional work also includes addressing drinking water quality issues and environmental pollutant bioremediation.

Skills

His expertise spans a range of interdisciplinary areas, including soil microbiology, bio-fertilizer applications, plant-soil-microbe interactions, environmental remediation, and educational research. He is skilled in maintaining soil resilience through eco-friendly agricultural methods and applying microbial technologies in environmental and crop management.

 Awards and Honors

Beyene has been recognized for his contributions to education and soil science research, although specific awards and honors are not listed, his ongoing dedication to research has earned him respect in the academic community.

Membership

He is an active member of various academic and scientific organizations, contributing to the development and dissemination of knowledge in biology, soil science, and education within Ethiopia and beyond.

Teaching Experience

With a strong foundation in both general and higher education, Beyene has experience teaching biology and related subjects, focusing on enhancing education through applied research in biology education.

Research Focus

Beyene’s research interests include the application of bio-fertilizers in organic crop production, the diversity and use of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and rhizobium, and the bioremediation of pollutants. His work also explores the quality of drinking water and its associated risk factors, emphasizing the importance of sustainable environmental and agricultural practices.

 

Publication Top Notes