Guest Editors
Toby Adjuik
Iowa State University, Department of Agronomy
Dr. Toby Adjuik is a postdoctoral researcher at the Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation (CABBI) and in the Department of Agronomy at Iowa State University. His research focuses on developing bio-based hydrogels for soil management, applying machine learning in agriculture, and agroecosystem modeling.Dr. Adjuik completed his Bachelor of Science in Food Process Engineering at the University of Ghana in 2016. He then pursued a Master’s in Environmental Studies at Ohio University, graduating in 2019. In 2022, he earned his PhD in Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering from the University of Kentucky. His doctoral research was centered on developing lignin-based hydrogels, exploring their potential to enhance soil hydraulic properties and function as slow-release mediums for beneficial soil microbes.With a strong engineering and environmental studies background, Dr. Adjuik brings a multidisciplinary approach to his current research endeavors. His work contributes to bio-based materials and intersects significantly with sustainable agriculture.
Abhisekh Saha
C.V. Raman Global University Bhubaneswar, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Dr. Abhisekh Saha is an assistant professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at C.V. Raman Global University, Bhubaneswar, India. His research focuses on developing smart hydrogel composites from waste products, waste-to-resource conversion, and mitigating the negative impacts of climate change on soil properties.Dr. Abhisekh completed his Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering at the Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology, Shibpur, India 2014. He then pursued a Master’s Degree in Geotechnical Engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati, and graduated in 2016. He obtained his PhD in civil engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati, in 2021. His doctoral research was focused on developing a water-absorbing polymer from industrial solid waste and fly ash and evaluating its efficacy in improving the water retention behavior of soil.Dr. Abhisekh’s current research is on arid land management and reclamation of deserted land, considering the complex soil-hydrogel-plant-atmosphere interaction.
Collection Overview
This curated Methods Collection delves into the latest breakthroughs in bio-based hydrogels and their game-changing applications for sustainable agriculture. Derived from renewable resources, bio-based hydrogels are essential for their eco-friendliness and biodegradability, addressing pressing environmental concerns in modern farming.
The collection aims to showcase standardized methodologies for synthesizing and characterizing bio-based hydrogels, their effectiveness in amending soil for enhanced crop yields, and their role in controlled release systems for agrochemicals. By highlighting recent innovations and practical uses, this collection offers valuable insights and tools for researchers and practitioners, promoting a more sustainable integration of these materials in agricultural practices.
The ultimate objective is to encourage the adoption of environmentally conscious technologies that align with the global agenda for sustainability in agriculture and resource management.