Aleksandar Simic | Crop production | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Aleksandar Simic | Crop production | Best Researcher Award

PhD at Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, Serbia

Prof. Aleksandar Simic is a full professor at the University of Belgrade, Faculty of Agriculture, specializing in Grassland Management, Pasture Ecology, and Site-Specific Agriculture. With a PhD in Biotechnology (2008) and extensive experience since 1996, he has contributed to key areas in agriculture and ecological research. Prof. Simicโ€™s international collaboration includes postdoctoral studies in Turkey and courses in the USA. His recent projects focus on sustainable agriculture practices, including precision fertilization and use of natural zeolites. He is fluent in English and a member of professional organizations like the Forage Society of Serbia. ๐ŸŒ๐Ÿ“š

Publication Profile

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Educational Background ๐ŸŽ“

Prof. Aleksandar Simic holds a PhD in Biotechnology (2008) from the University of Belgrade, Serbia, where he also completed his Master of Science in Biotechnology (2002) and earned a Bachelor of Science in Agronomy (1995). His academic journey at this esteemed institution has shaped his expertise in agriculture and biotechnology. Prof. Simicโ€™s education forms the foundation for his extensive research in grassland management and ecological agriculture, making him a key figure in the academic community. ๐ŸŒฟ๐Ÿ“š

Professional Experience ๐Ÿ’ผ

Prof. Aleksandar Simic has had a distinguished career in academia, primarily at the University of Belgradeโ€™s Faculty of Agriculture. He has served as a Full-Time Professor in the Crop Production Department since 2020. Prior to this, he held the position of Associate Professor (2015) and Assistant Professor (2009) at the same department. His academic journey began in 1996 as a Scientific Assistant, followed by roles as a Teaching Assistant (1999-2002) and Assistant (2002-2009), contributing significantly to agricultural research and education. ๐ŸŒพ๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐Ÿซ

Field of Interests ๐ŸŒฟ

Prof. Aleksandar Simicโ€™s research spans a variety of critical areas within agriculture and ecology. His focus includes Grassland Management, emphasizing ecological principles for sustainable production, conservation, and environmental protection. He also specializes in Pasture Research Techniques, applying quantitative and qualitative methods for vegetation studies. His work in Site-Specific Agriculture explores spatial analysis and georeferenced data management for soil and crop management. Additionally, his expertise extends to Pasture Ecology, examining plant-soil-animal interactions and environmental influences. Lastly, he is involved in Grassland Management Planning, developing strategies to maximize grassland productivity. ๐ŸŒพ๐Ÿ“Š๐ŸŒฑ

Research Focus Areas ๐ŸŒพ๐Ÿ“Š

Prof. Aleksandar Simic’s research is centered on agricultural productivity, grassland management, and crop yield optimization. His work explores the impact of nitrogen fertilization on wheat, maize, and soybean yields, focusing on fertilizer efficiency and environmental conditions. He also investigates pasture ecology through studies on Italian ryegrass, alfalfa, and other grass species, analyzing seed germination, protein content, and forage quality under various fertilization regimes. Additionally, Prof. Simic conducts research on site-specific agriculture, assessing spatial data for better crop management, and emphasizes the sustainable management of grasslands and forage systems. ๐ŸŒฑ๐Ÿ’ง

Publication Top Notes

  • Nitrogen fertilizer influence on wheat yield and use efficiency under different environmental conditions ๐ŸŒพ – 131 citations, 2015
  • Seed germination and seedling vigour of italian ryegrass, cocksfoot and timothy following harvest and storage ๐ŸŒฑ – 61 citations, 2011
  • Genotype and Year Effect on Grain Yield and Nutritive Values of Maize (Zea mays L.) ๐ŸŒฝ – 54 citations, 2011
  • Effect of foliar fertilization on soybean grain yield ๐ŸŒฟ – 42 citations, 2015
  • Changes in lignin structure with maturation of alfalfa leaf and stem in relation to ruminants nutrition ๐ŸŒฑ – 40 citations, 2012
  • Impact of seeding rate and interrow spacing on Italian ryegrass for seed in the first harvest year ๐ŸŒพ – 40 citations, 2009
  • Effect of nitrogen fertilization and undersowing on yield and quality of Cynosuretum cristati-type meadows in hilly-mountainous grasslands in Serbia ๐ŸŒพ – 33 citations, 2005
  • Performances of some cool season turfgrass species in mediterranean environment: I. Lolium perenne L., Festuca arundinacea Schreb., Poa pratensis L. ๐ŸŒฑ – 32 citations, 2010
  • The rainfall use efficiency and soybean grain yield under rainfed conditions in Vojvodina ๐ŸŒง๏ธ – 27 citations, 2017
  • The effect of crop density on yield of forage maize ๐ŸŒฝ – 26 citations, 2015
  • Changes of crude protein content in Italian ryegrass influenced by spring nitrogen application ๐ŸŒฟ – 26 citations, 2009
Conclusion

Prof. Aleksandar Simic is highly deserving of the Research for Best Researcher Award. His deep academic background, ongoing research in sustainable agriculture, impactful publications, and international collaborations position him as a leading figure in his field. His work directly aligns with the goals of advancing agricultural sustainability and ecological management, making him an excellent candidate for this prestigious recognition.

 

 

Simion Matsvai | Agriculture Economics | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Simion Matsvai | Agriculture Economics | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Simion Matsvai, Great Zimbabwe University, Zimbabwe

Dr. Simion Matsvai is a senior lecturer at Great Zimbabwe University, specializing in Applied Economics, including Financial, Agricultural, Environmental, Development, and Health Economics. With over 10 years of academic and consultancy experience, he holds a PhD in Agricultural Economics from the University of Fort Hare. He has contributed to several national and international research projects, focusing on economic development, natural resources, and gender in budgeting. His expertise includes econometrics and data analysis using tools like STATA, R, and SPSS. Currently, he serves as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Walter Sisulu University. ๐Ÿ“š๐ŸŒ๐Ÿ“Š

 

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Academicย 

Dr. Simion Matsvai holds a PhD in Agricultural Economics from the University of Fort Hare (2016-2020), further strengthening his expertise in the field. He also earned a Master of Commerce degree in Industrial Strategy and Trade Policy from Great Zimbabwe University (2011-2012). Additionally, Dr. Matsvai completed his BSc Honors in Economics at the University of Zimbabwe, graduating in 2003 and 2006. His extensive academic background underpins his dedication to research and teaching in various branches of economics. ๐ŸŽ“๐Ÿ“š๐ŸŒพ๐Ÿ’ผ

 

Work Experience

Dr. Simion Matsvai is currently a Senior Lecturer at Great Zimbabwe University, where he has been teaching since February 2013. He lectures postgraduate modules such as Advanced International Finance, Advanced Macroeconomics, and Econometrics, while supervising dissertations. At the undergraduate level, he teaches Development Economics, Macroeconomics, Environmental Economics, and more. Additionally, Dr. Matsvai serves as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Walter Sisulu University (2024-2025). Previously, he worked as an Agribusiness Development Specialist at Intercountry Peoples Aid (IPA) from 2010 to 2013. ๐Ÿ“š๐Ÿ’ผ๐ŸŒ๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐Ÿซ

 

Consultancy Experience

Dr. Simion Matsvai has been involved in various consultancy projects across Zimbabwe. In 2024, he contributed as a co-researcher for Great Zimbabwe University’s project on Devolution, Natural Resources, and Economic Development in Masvingo. He also worked on the 2024 National Budget’s female-focused analysis with Citizens in Southern Africa (CIASA). Other projects include the review and rebranding of Zimbabwe’s cooperative model (2022-2023), the Zimbabwe Youth Development and Economic Empowerment baseline study in 2021, and the development of procurement and finance manuals for the World Food Programme โ€“ Namibia. ๐Ÿ“๐Ÿ“Š๐ŸŒ๐Ÿ’ผ

 

Research Focus

Dr. Simion Matsvaiโ€™s research primarily revolves around applied economics, with a strong emphasis on Financial Economics, Agricultural Economics, and Development Economics. His work investigates the impact of microfinance on small-scale farmers, the relationship between banking sector development and economic growth, and rural development through NGOs in Zimbabwe. Dr. Matsvai has also contributed to research on environmental economics, unemployment, and economic growth, particularly in developing economies like Zimbabwe and South Africa. His studies explore issues like land tenure, agricultural policies, and the effects of environmental quality on housing prices. ๐Ÿ“Š๐ŸŒพ๐Ÿ’ผ๐Ÿ“‰๐ŸŒ

 

Publication Top Notes ย 

  • Econometric analysis of unemployment, output and growth of the informal sector in Zimbabwe (1985โ€“2013), T Saungweme, S Matsvai, RC Sakuhuni – Cited by 36 (2014) ๐Ÿ“Š
  • Testing the Ricardian equivalence hypothesis in Zimbabwe: An ARDL bound testing approach, R Sunge, S Mufandaedza, S Matsvai – Cited by 14 (2015) ๐Ÿ“ˆ
  • NGOsโ€™ interventions, sustainable livelihood, and rural development in Zimbabwe: The case of Gutu district, Mutubuki Chitenderano Association, S Matsvai – Cited by 13 (2018) ๐ŸŒ
  • Farmer perceptions in Mashonaland East Province on Zimbabweโ€™s agricultural land rental policy, S Tatsvarei, A Mushunje, S Matsvai, S Ngarava – Cited by 12 (2018) ๐ŸŒพ
  • Technical efficiency impact of microfinance on small scale resettled sugar cane farmers in Zimbabwe, S Matsvai, A Mushunje, S Tatsvarei – Cited by 8 (2022) ๐Ÿ’ฐ
  • The Relationship between Banking Sector Development and Economic Growth in Selected SADC Countries: Panel Cointegration Approach (2005-2015), Z Mahlangu, S Matsvai – Cited by 3 (2016) ๐Ÿ’ณ
  • Analysing the response of CO2 emissions to business cycle in a developing economy: Evidence for South Africa post-Apartheid Era, DK Espoir, R Sunge, B Mduduzi, F Bannor, S Matsvai – Cited by 3 (2020) ๐ŸŒ
  • Sustainability crisis of Zimbabweโ€™s agricultural land tenure: A review, S Tatsvarei, A Mushunje, S Matsvai, S Ngarava – Cited by 2 (2018) ๐ŸŒฑ
  • Characterisation of Smallholder Resettled Sugarcane Farmers and Their Perceptions Towards Microfinance in Zimbabwe (Chiredzi), S Matsvai, A Mushunje, S Tatsvarei – Cited by 1 (2021) ๐ŸŒพ
  • Effects of Environmental Quality on urban housing prices: A hedonic multiple linear regression model approach, M Julius, A Sanderson, PL Roux, M Simion, M Zenzile – Cited by 1 (2020) ๐Ÿ