Prof. Muhammad Ashraf

About

Being a professionally qualified Soil Scientist, I am working on plant–soil interactions, particularly effect of soil salinity, drought and metal toxicity on plant growth, physiological, biochemical and fruit quality characteristics, and a reciprocal effects of different plant species and varieties on soil health and properties. I did B.Sc. (Hons) Agriculture in 1994, M.Sc. (Hons) Soil Science in 1996, and Ph.D. Soil Science in 2008 from University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan. During PhD studies, I worked on how different sugarcane genotypes interact with soil salinity and what is the role of potassium and silicon to mitigate the deleterious effects of salt ions on sugarcane growth, yield and juice quality. In 2014, I have been awarded Endeavour Fellowship, and completed Post-doctorate from School of Biological Sciences, University of Western Australia, Australia. During Postdoc training, I studied the growth response of Puccinellia ciliata to varying levels of nitrogen, potassium and sodium in hydroponics.
I joined Directorate of Land Reclamation, Irrigation & Power Department in 1997 and worked for 12 years on the rehabilitation of salt affected and waterlogged soils. In 2009, I joined University of Sargodha as Assistant professor and promoted to Professor of Soil Science in 2018. In 2023, I have been appointed as Chairman, Department of Soil & Environmental Sciences.
I possess strong analytical and problem solving skills with the ability to make well thought-out decisions. I am quite adept at reviewing literature for distilling relevant key concepts from complex information, integrating literature, documenting research and delivering projects outcomes under time pressure. I have strong ability to work independently and in collaborative format for achieving projects outcomes under competing timeframes. I use effective liaison and negotiation abilities to communicate with students, colleagues, collaborators and stakeholders. Having excellent verbal and written communication skills, I can explain complex ideas in a clear, concise and articulate manner. I am also involve in editorial activities of national and international research journals. In the recognition of significant contribution to the field of research, I have been awarded Research Productivity Award and Best Research Paper Award for two times by Ministry of Science and Technology, Pakistan.

Areas of Expertise