Practical applications in soil management and crop fertilization

Arnaldo José Armado Matute is a professor at the University of Carabobo, Venezuela. His research focuses on ecotoxicology, evaluating the impact of heavy metals on soils and waters, and their effect on bacterial diversity. He has collaborated on studies regarding metal contamination and its influence on the biochemical and biological parameters of soils. Additionally, he has worked on the efficient removal of atrazine using iron-modified bacteria.

Raúl Jesús Jiménez Solórzano, Ph.D., is affiliated with both the Socialist School of Tropical Agriculture (ESAT) and the National Institute of Agricultural Research (INIA). He also collaborates with UnAgroUrbano, a group that promotes sustainable agricultural and urban practices. Throughout his career, Jiménez Solórzano has distinguished himself as a researcher in soil science, focusing on field methods for the characterization and sustainable management of agricultural soils. His achievements include contributions to the training of farmers in sustainable practices and the publication of academic works. Furthermore, he stands out for his commitment to scientific outreach in areas related to soil management as a key resource for environmental sustainability and food security.

Anaís Fagúndez is a graduate of the Chemistry program at the Experimental Faculty of Science and Technology at the University of Carabobo, Venezuela. She completed her professional training by carrying out her special degree project at the Laboratory of Biochemical, Soil and Environmental Research (LIBSA), a unit attached to the Research and Extension Center for Environment, Biology, and Chemistry (AMBIOQUIM). Her research project focused on a comparative study of the effect of organic and inorganic fertilization on the growth and productivity of chili pepper (Capsicum annuum) crops, with the aim of evaluating sustainable alternatives to improve agricultural soil quality and optimize horticultural production.

Minerva Márquez holds a degree in Chemistry from the Faculty of Experimental Science and Technology, FACYT, at the University of Carabobo, Venezuela. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Technological Chemistry at FACYT-UC, conducting research at the Biochemical Research Laboratory, Soil, and Environment, LIBSA. Her research focuses on microbiological parameters of agricultural substrates made from organic wastes to improve soil quality. Her work promotes sustainable agricultural practices, reducing chemical input reliance and enhancing soil health through optimized use of organic waste.

Henry Baloy Porras is a Venezuelan scientist and academic specializing in soil science and agroecology. He graduated from the University of Los Andes (ULA) in Venezuela with a degree in education. In addition to his work as a professor at the Ministry of Popular Power for Education, he has shared his knowledge of animal nutrition and feeding at academic events such as the 5th Ruminant Conference. He has also worked with organizations such as the Santiago Mariño Polytechnic Institute in Mérida, Venezuela, contributing to the advancement of scientific and academic efforts. His participation in scientific discussions, such as the one organized by Fundacite Yaracuy, where he spoke about the use of action research in the agroecological field, highlights his commitment to agroecological research and education. He is currently continuing his research, focusing on soil health and sustainable farming methods.

Carlos Humberto Aguas Changoluisa is a distinguished academic with a career in education and research. He holds a Master’s Degree in Secondary Education Teacher Training, specializing in Physics and Chemistry, from the National University of Distance Education (UNED), as well as a Master’s Degree in Educational Management and a Graduate Diploma in Educational Management and Planning from the State University of Bolívar. He also earned a Doctorate in Educational Sciences, specializing in Educational Administration and Supervision, from the Cooperative University of Colombia in Ecuador. In addition, he holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Educational Sciences, specializing in Mathematics and Physics, from the Central University of Ecuador.

Daniel Loreto is a Chemistry graduate from the University of Carabobo, Venezuela, distinguished for his interest in studies aimed at improving agricultural and environmental quality. He carried out his degree project at the Laboratory of Biochemical, Soil, and Environmental Research, LIBSA, affiliated with the Research and Extension Center for Environment, Biology, and Chemistry, AMBIOQUIM. His project focused on the analysis of physicochemical soil parameters treated with organic and chemical fertilizers, with the goal of optimizing sustainable agricultural practices. His academic training and research experience have established him as a promising young talent in the field of environmental chemistry.

Darwin Alberto Núñez Torres is a professor at Universidad Estatal de Bolívar, Ecuador, specializing in molecular biology, biotechnology, and food analysis. He has been involved in research on pathogen detection in drinking water using PCR and the extraction of essential oils from orange peels. Additionally, he has explored the development of chocolate bars and the dehydration of chili varieties to obtain powder.

Kevyn Porras is a graduate of the Chemistry Department at the University of Carabobo. He carried out his degree project at the Laboratory of Biochemical, Soil, and Environmental Research (LIBSA), affiliated with the Research and Extension Center for Environment, Biology, and Chemistry (AMBIOQUIM). His research focused on the development of Criollo cacao seedlings, Canoabo variety (Theobroma cacao L.), using organic-mineral fertilizers and the fungus Trichoderma spp. He has worked on evaluating biometric, physicochemical, and endophytic colonization parameters in sustainable cultivation systems. His approach combines innovative methodologies with traditional techniques to promote agricultural sustainability and productivity.

Domenico Fabio Pavone Maniscalco is a biologist and university professor who served as Director of the Biology Department at the Experimental Faculty of Science and Technology (FaCyT) of the University of Carabobo. He works at the Center for Applied Biotechnology and has published research on topics such as the biocontrol of agricultural pests and diseases, including the use of Trichoderma in crops such as bell pepper.

Diego David Moposita Vásquez is a professor at the State University of Bolívar (UEB), Ecuador. He has collaborated on research focused on the compositional analysis of malanga (Xanthosoma).

Sebastián Cestari is affiliated with the Biofertilizers and Biocontrol Laboratory at the Center for Agricultural Biotechnology and collaborates with the Soil Ecology Laboratory of the Venezuelan Institute for Scientific Research (IVIC). He is a researcher focused on agricultural sustainability, with extensive experience in using organic residues to improve soil quality. Cestari holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences and has dedicated his career to developing technologies in biofertilization and sustainable natural resource management. He has led research projects that combine advanced chemical analysis techniques with microbiological approaches, aiming to maximize nutrient release efficiency and its impact on crop yield. In addition to his scientific work, Cestari engages in knowledge dissemination, collaborating with farmers and companies to implement sustainable agricultural practices.

Saúl Ramón Flores Acosta is a biologist and holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Sciences. He currently serves as an Associate Research Professional J-3 at the Ecology Center of the Venezuelan Institute for Scientific Research (IVIC). With over 35 years of experience, he has led projects in soil ecology, sustainable agriculture, and ecological restoration. Notably, he initiated the recovery of abandoned soils within IVIC, where he implemented organic coffee cultivation that was recognized among the 60 best varieties in Venezuela. His work has been instrumental in promoting the identity and excellence of coffee from Miranda state, earning recognition for his contribution to regional coffee development.