Biography
Prof. Muhammad Ashraf
Prof. Muhammad Ashraf
University of Sargodha, Pakistan
Title: Integrated Nutrient Management: A Strategy for the Rehabilitation of Metal Polluted Soils
Abstract: 
Environmental pollution by the accumulation of heavy metals in the biosphere is becoming an emerging global threat for agricultural system and human health in recent years. Metals accumulate in the environment through natural sources as well as anthropogenic activities such as injudicious use of fertilizers, pesticides and other chemicals, irrigation with metal-polluted water, unsafe disposal of industrial waste matter,mining, poor transportation facilities, harvesting and storage processes etc.Although, heavy metals are not needed for normal functioning of living organisms but due to their high persistence and mobility in soil, they can easily be absorbed by plant roots and cause severe damage to plant growth and food quality. Conventional methods for the remediation of metal polluted soils include removal of contaminated soil from the sites, covering the contaminated area with barren soils or remediation in situto remove the contaminants. However, these conventional technologies aretoo expensive, environmentally destructive, labor-intensive, time consuming, potentially hazardous to workers and capable of producing secondary wastes.In comparison, integrated nutrient management can provide an important eco-friendly and economically efficient remediation strategy where inexpensive and easily available chemicals, organic amendments and bacterial inoculants are used to decrease plant availability of metals in contaminated soils. Such materials include phosphorus, silicon, calcium, sulfur, zinc compounds, organic manures and microbial inoculants. Major mechanisms through which integrated nutrient management improves the productivity of metal polluted soils are metal complexation, transformation of metals to less toxic state, metalsimmobilization, metals sequestration in roots and efflux, production of oxidative stress response and resistance to membrane perturbation.In addition, integrated nutrient management restores soil quality,improving soil fertility, adding organic matter, enhancing water holding capacity and re-establishing microbial communities. All these lead to site remediation, revegetation and revitalization, and consequently rehabilitation. The effectiveness of this technology is, however, inconsistent and depends on several factors associated with the soil, plant and amendment nature as well as chemistry of metals in the environment. This talk highlights the mechanisms and applications of integrated nutrient management for improving the productivity of metal polluted soils.
Biography: 
Muhammad Ashraf is a professionally qualified Soil Scientist and working as Assistant Professor in the Department of Soil & Environmental Sciences, University College of Agriculture, University of Sargodha, Pakistan and focusing on plant nutrition and abiotic stresses, particularly salinity and heavy metal toxicity. He was born on December 1, 1972. He did his B.Sc. (Hons.) Agriculture in 1994, M.Sc. (Hons) Soil Science 1996 and Ph.D. Soil Science in 2008 from University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan. He has been awarded Endeavour Research Fellowship in 2014 by Australian Government and completed post-doctoratefrom University of Western Australia, Australia. He researched on the relationship between salinity and plant nutrition, manure management, fertilizer application, and rehabilitation of saline and waterlogged lands. He also involved in the execution of a project “National Coordinated Project on Mango Crises” as Plant Nutritionist. Dr. Ashraf has more than 21 years research, teaching and administrative experience. He supervised many graduate and post-graduate students as supervisor and co-supervisor. He has produced more than 50 research publications in various well reputed scientific journals. He is the author of a book “Salt Tolerance in Sugarcane” published by Lap Lambert Academic Publishing AG & Co., Germany. He has participated in many national and international conferences and seminars and presented his research achievements. Dr. Ashraf is working as Editor-in-Chief of Journal of Environment & Agriculture (JEA). He is also serving as reviewer/referee for many national and international journals. He is the member of many scientific societies. In the recognition of his significant contribution in the field of research, he has been awarded Research Productivity Award by Ministry of Science and Technology, Pakistan for the year 2011 and 2012.