Prof. Chris Du | Soil Science | Best Researcher Award

Research Fellow at Soil Science, University of the Free State, South Africa

👨‍🎓He remarkable academic journey, extensive research contributions, and dedication to the field of psychology are truly commendable. Your wealth of knowledge and diverse skill set reflect a deep commitment to understanding and addressing critical issues such as bullying, inclusion, and socialization.

🔬 He successful completion of a PhD in Psychology, along with the numerous advanced courses and workshops, showcases your continuous pursuit of excellence and expertise in your field.

🏆 The awards and recognitions, including the First Place in the Poster Award at the University of Stavanger, underscore the impact of your research and the high regard it holds in the academic community.

Professional Profiles:

Education:

Prof Chris Du attended Jacobsdal Primary School from 1960 to 1966 and Jacobsdal Agricultural High School from 1967 to 1971. He pursued his university education at UFS, where he obtained a B.Sc. Agric. in 1975, specializing in Soil Science and Geology. Subsequently, he completed his B.Sc. Agric. Honours in Soil Science in 1976, followed by an M.Sc. Agric. in 1978, focusing on the causes and combating of compaction in sandy irrigation soils. He earned his Ph.D. in 1984 with a dissertation on the ammonia volatilization of certain nitrogen fertilizers after application to soil. Additionally, Prof Chris Du undertook non-formal post-school training, including a programming course in Fortran IV at UFS in 1980, a university education course in 1981, a leadership orientation course in 1983, and a plant nutrient management for sustainable agriculture course at IFDC in 1996.

Academic Experience:

Prof Chris Du has extensive teaching experience, having presented almost all undergraduate and honors modules in soil science. Additionally, he offers modules for master’s students in sustainable agriculture and environmental management. In the capacity of a supervisor, he has supervised 15 scripts, 48 dissertations, and 29 theses. Furthermore, he has served as an external examiner for 39 dissertations and 30 theses.

Research Experience:

Prof Chris Du is involved in and has led numerous research projects, as reflected in the attached list of publications. His specialization lies in soil fertility and plant nutrition, with a particular emphasis on soil nitrogen. His research focuses on various aspects of the nitrogen cycle in the soil-plant-atmosphere continuum, aiming to ensure optimal nitrogen utilization, limit degradation of nitrogen fertility, and prevent nitrogen pollution. Over time, his research has expanded to encompass other aspects of soil and water quality, including the impact of land use on the conversion of organic matter in soil. Currently, he is investigating the influence of irrigation on the salt content of soils. Prof Chris Du holds a C-status as a researcher at the National Research Foundation. In summary, his research explores soil and water quality, with a specific focus on soil fertility, plant nutrition, nitrogen cycle dynamics, and the impact of irrigation on soil salinity.

Awards:

Prof Chris Du has received several prestigious awards and scholarships throughout his career, highlighting his contributions to agriculture and soil science. In 1971, he was honored with the Landbouweekblad Medal for Agricultural Theory and the Farmers Weekly Medal for Agricultural Practice. His academic excellence was further recognized with the Oppenheimer Scholarship (1972-75) for his university education. In 1984, his research efforts were acknowledged with the BP/Nampo Fellowship, which aimed to advance the maize industry. Prof Chris Du’s impactful research has also been recognized by the Soil Science Society of South Africa. He co-authored papers that received the society’s medal for best junior paper in 1990 and 1992. Additionally, his contributions to plant and soil science were acknowledged with the Sanachem Prize for Publication of Excellence in 1990. In 1992, he was awarded the Jan de Waal Memorial Award by the Fertiliser Society of South Africa for the best publication in soil fertility. His research on the dynamics of nitrogen in South African soils was recognized with the Fertilizer Society of South Africa’s silver medal in 1998. In 2007, he received the Soil Science Society of South Africa award for the best article. These awards and recognitions underscore Prof Chris Du’s significant contributions to the field of soil science and agriculture.