Education:
Prof. Yongyong Zhang completed his academic training with a solid foundation in soil science and ecohydrology. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Soil Science from the College of Resources and Environmental Sciences at China Agricultural University, where he developed a keen interest in the interactions between soil and environmental factors. He further advanced his expertise by obtaining a Master’s degree in Soil Science from the same institution, focusing on soil hydrology and its ecological implications. To deepen his research capabilities, Prof. Zhang pursued a Ph.D. in Soil Hydrology at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, where he engaged in rigorous research that integrated theoretical knowledge with practical applications in soil management and conservation. His educational background has equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of soil systems, positioning him as a leader in the field of ecohydrology.
Professional Experience:
Prof. Yongyong Zhang currently serves as a Professor of Soil Hydrology and Ecohydrology at the Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, a position he has held since January 2022. In this role, he conducts advanced research focused on the interactions between soil and hydrological processes, particularly in hyper-arid regions. Prior to this, he built a strong academic foundation through various research and teaching roles, contributing significantly to the field of soil science. Prof. Zhang has authored over 50 peer-reviewed papers, demonstrating his commitment to advancing scientific knowledge. He has also secured 10 grants and fellowships worth $428,571 as Principal Investigator, reflecting his ability to lead impactful research projects. In addition to his research endeavors, he has taught two courses as a co-instructor and has mentored six Master’s students, four of whom have completed their degrees, and one PhD student, showcasing his dedication to student development and academic excellence.
Research Interests:
Prof. Yongyong Zhang’s research interests lie primarily in the fields of Soil Hydrology and Ecohydrology, with a particular focus on understanding the interactions between soil, water, and ecosystems in hyper-arid environments. He investigates soil macroporosity, water flow dynamics, and their implications for agricultural productivity, especially in oasis farmlands. His work aims to explore the effects of climate change, such as nighttime warming, on crop growth and resource capture, contributing to sustainable agricultural practices. Additionally, Prof. Zhang is interested in the role of soil structure and land use in water infiltration processes across different ecosystems. By integrating theoretical approaches with practical applications, his research seeks to address pressing environmental challenges and enhance water management strategies in arid and semi-arid regions. Through his innovative studies, he aims to contribute significantly to the understanding of ecohydrological processes and their implications for ecosystem sustainability and agricultural resilience.
Skills:
Prof. Yongyong Zhang possesses a diverse set of research skills that enable him to excel in the fields of Soil Hydrology and Ecohydrology. His expertise includes advanced techniques in soil moisture measurement and analysis, allowing for accurate assessments of water dynamics within soil profiles. He is skilled in utilizing various hydrological modeling tools to simulate water flow and retention in different land-use contexts, which is critical for understanding ecohydrological interactions in hyper-arid regions. Prof. Zhang also employs statistical analysis and data interpretation methods to analyze complex datasets derived from field experiments and laboratory studies. Additionally, he has experience in conducting multi-scale research, integrating remote sensing data with ground-based measurements to evaluate environmental changes over time. His proficiency in experimental design and fieldwork, combined with strong capabilities in scientific writing and communication, enables him to disseminate findings effectively, thereby advancing knowledge in sustainable land and water management practices. Through his comprehensive skill set, Prof. Zhang significantly contributes to addressing critical challenges in soil and water resource management.
Concution:
Prof. Yongyong Zhang’s extensive research background, substantial publication record, and successful mentoring of graduate students highlight his excellence and commitment to the field of soil hydrology and ecohydrology. His work not only contributes to academic knowledge but also has practical implications for sustainable land and water management in challenging environments. Therefore, he is an exemplary candidate for the Best Researcher Award.
Publication Top Noted:
- Energy Exchange and Evapotranspiration Over Irrigated Seed Maize Agroecosystems in a Desert-Oasis Region, Northwest China
- Authors: Y Zhang, W Zhao, J He, K Zhang
- Year: 2016
- Journal: Agricultural and Forest Meteorology 223, 48-59
- Citations: 77
- Vegetation and Soil Property Response of Short-Time Fencing in Temperate Desert of the Hexi Corridor, Northwestern China
- Authors: Y Zhang, W Zhao
- Year: 2015
- Journal: Catena 133, 43-51
- Citations: 72
- Soil Macropore Characteristics Following Conversion of Native Desert Soils to Irrigated Croplands in a Desert-Oasis Ecotone, Northwest China
- Authors: Y Zhang, W Zhao, L Fu
- Year: 2017
- Journal: Soil and Tillage Research 168, 176-186
- Citations: 64
- Changes in Species Diversity, Aboveground Biomass, and Vegetation Cover Along an Afforestation Successional Gradient in a Semiarid Desert Steppe of China
- Authors: B Liu, W Zhao, Z Liu, Y Yang, W Luo, H Zhou, Y Zhang
- Year: 2015
- Journal: Ecological Engineering 81, 301-311
- Citations: 49
- Soil Susceptibility to Macropore Flow Across a Desert‐Oasis Ecotone of the Hexi Corridor, Northwest China
- Authors: Y Zhang, W Zhao, J He, L Fu
- Year: 2018
- Journal: Water Resources Research 54 (2), 1281-1294
- Citations: 42
- Land Use Conversion Influences Soil Respiration Across a Desert-Oasis Ecoregion in Northwest China, With Consideration of Cold Season CO2 Efflux and Its Significance
- Authors: Y Zhang, W Zhao, L Fu, C Zhao, A Jia
- Year: 2020
- Journal: Catena 188, 104460
- Citations: 38
- Simulation of Soil Water Dynamics for Uncropped Ridges and Furrows Under Irrigation Conditions
- Authors: Y Zhang, P Wu, X Zhao, Z Wang
- Year: 2013
- Journal: Canadian Journal of Soil Science 93 (1), 85-98
- Citations: 37