Rasel Parvej, assistant professor and state extension specialist in soil testing and interpretation, Division of Plant Science and Technology, was named the 2026 Soybean Researcher of the Year at the Annual National Conservation Systems Cotton and Rice Conference. This conference was held alongside the Southern Soybean & Corn Conference, Delta States Irrigation Conference and Southern Precision Ag Conference in Jonesboro, Arkansas.

“Dr. Parvej’s work squarely advances conservation minded soybean production by improving nutrient efficiency, strengthening doble crop systems and delivering practical and economical recommendations at scale,” said nominator Josh Copes, soybean farmer based in Tallulah, Louisiana. “His sustained record of soybean centered research, on farm validation and communication exemplifies the spirit of the Conservation Systems ‘Soybean Researcher of the Year’ award.”

Parvej’s research focuses on understanding site-specific soil fertility and health, soil management, fertilizer recommendations and management and more. He has been serving as an Associate Editor for both the Soil Science Society of America Journal and Crop, Forage & Turfgrass Management since 2020. Parvej is also a certified crop advisor and has been elected vice-chair of the National Research Support Project (NRSP-11) at NIMSS in 2024.

“I am truly honored by this recognition,” said Parvej. “The award acknowledges my work on conservation-minded soybean production, nutrient management, and translating applied research into practical recommendations for growers.”