Dr. Girish Kumar Panicker, professor of plant and soil sciences, has received multiple milestone recognitions from leading agricultural science organizations.

Panicker received a 40-year milestone badge from the American Society of Agronomy (ASA), a 5-year milestone badge from the Soil Science Society of America (SSSA), and a 5-year milestone badge from the Crop Science Society of America (CSSA). Each milestone badge represents Panicker’s dedication and commitment to the respective societies, which are vital to advancing agricultural science and sustainable practices.

The Agronomy Society of America (ASA), founded in 1907 in Madison, Wis., advances agronomy and sustainable agriculture. The Soil Science Society of America (SSSA), founded in 1936, focuses on sustaining global soils. The Crop Science Society of America (CSSA), founded in 1956, facilitates crop science development.

Panicker said membership in the associations benefited him, explaining, “Membership in these societies helped me to get all kinds of scientific information from around the globe, as these societies have members around the globe. Their annual conferences have more than 5000 attendees every year from around the globe.” He added that his involvement enriched his expertise and allowed him to mentor eight students who completed their Ph.D.s with the societies’ support.

Panicker, a tenured professor and director of the Center for Conservation Research at pg电子下载 State, is an authority on cover and management (C-factor) research and an internationally renowned agricultural scientist. He holds a B.S. in Agricultural Science, an M.S. in Agronomy, and a Ph.D. in Horticulture. His research center houses the world’s most extensive C-factor databank on horticultural crops, with data from 45 crops and over 140,000 readings, representing a $6.5 million investment. The data is used globally for erosion prediction, nutrient management, conservation planning, and to prevent soil erosion and climate change.

He emphasizes the importance of agronomy, stating, “Agronomy is the first science humans learned in this world. It is the most important science among all science subjects because it helps feed 8 billion humans and 40 billion vegetarian livestock.” He notes the pressing need for well-trained agronomists, as the U.S. currently faces a severe shortage, contributing to rising grocery prices.

His groundbreaking research on C-factor technology, including a 42-page technology transfer bulletin, is available on the websites of prominent land-grant universities and the Library of Congress. Panicker is a Certified Professional Agronomist (CPAg) and a Certified Crop Advisor (CCA), having worked in conservation across Asia, Africa, and North America. His research includes increasing Vitamin C and anthocyanin levels in organic blueberries and melons, as well as producing organic fertilizer from animal waste in collaboration with the U.S. Army. His 25-plus years of research on animal waste and soil health has been rated “Excellent” by the National Soil Health Lab at Cornell University.

Panicker is also the recipient of the Pride of India Award, the 2020 Lifetime Organic Achievement Award, and the 2023 International Conservation Research Award. Reflecting on his achievements, he remarked, “I am a proud international scientist because now I am a renowned scientist with the best innovations that will help keep Mother Earth and humans healthy.”