At the heart of agricultural innovation lies a commitment not only to discovery but to the people who drive it forward. That’s why supporting and celebrating early-career researchers is a cornerstone of our work. From long-term field studies to cutting-edge lab experiments, young scientists are asking critical questions and delivering results that matter.
Two rising stars, Jedida Chirchir and Sonika Pariyar, exemplify this next generation of research excellence. Through their recent RDAR-funded award-winning projects, they are not only advancing our scientific understanding but also contributing to the development of more sustainable and resilient agricultural systems across Canada.
Jedida Chirchir: Building on 40 Years of Research for Soil Health and Yield Stability
Jedida Chirchir recently achieved third place in the poster competition at the Soils for our Future Conference, hosted by the Canadian Society of Soil Science in Winnipeg, Manitoba (July 2025). Her research, part of a long-term cereal-forage rotation study spanning over four decades, sheds light on the importance of liming and soil pH management in the Canadian Prairies, an area where acidic soils and intensive fertilizer use can seriously undermine crop productivity.
Her work demonstrated that liming not only improved forage yields but also enhanced nitrogen recovery and grain yield in subsequent wheat crops. This effect was amplified under balanced NPKS fertilization. These findings are critical, as they offer a pathway for more efficient nutrient cycling and improved productivity in rotational cropping systems. Jedida’s success speaks to the value of long-term research infrastructure and mentorship in developing practical solutions for prairie agriculture.
RDAR funding enabled us to synthesize over 40 years of data and conduct multi-site experiments in Central Alberta, turning evidence into practical recommendations for Western Canadian producers.
Jedida Chirchir, University of Alberta
Sonika Pariyar: Harnessing Natural Materials to Fight Field Pea Root Rot
Sonika Pariyar, another outstanding early-career researcher, has recently been recognized at two national conferences. She earned third place in a poster presentation at the inaugural ALES Graduate Research Conference at the University of Alberta and won first place in an oral presentation at the 2025 Joint Conference of the Canadian Society for Horticultural Science and the Canadian Society of Agronomy in Kelowna, British Columbia.
Sonika’s project investigates an innovative approach to managing Aphanomyces root rot, a major disease threatening field pea production in Canada. Using seed coatings based on the natural mineral zeolite combined with chitosan, her preliminary results show promise: Out of 67 formulations tested, 12 significantly reduced disease severity.
While assessments continue, her work opens a promising new avenue in disease management, particularly important in a context where traditional fungicides and resistant cultivars are lacking.
RDAR is supporting my Master’s degree and enabling me to explore innovative, sustainable strategies for managing root rot in field peas. This experience has been invaluable in connecting my academic research with practical needs for Prairie pulse growers.
Sonika Pariyar, University of Alberta
These achievements are more than individual milestones; they are a testament to what is possible when emerging researchers are given the support, mentorship, and resources they need to succeed. Whether through access to long-term field sites, interdisciplinary lab facilities, or national platforms to share their findings, RDAR is proud to help cultivate the talent that will shape the future of agriculture in Alberta and beyond.
Jedida Chirchir, University of Alberta
Sonika Pariyar, University of Alberta
Student Posters
Jedida Chirchir, University of Alberta
Sonika Pariyar, University of Alberta