Xiaoping Xin

Xiaoping’s research evaluates innovative agrochemicals and the reuse of biowaste to enhance nutrient efficiency and soil-plant health, with a long-term vision of promoting sustainable agriculture through innovations like nano-delivery systems, green nano-fertilizers, pesticides, additives, biochar, hydrogel, biofertilizers, plant growth regulators, soil conditioners, and waste reuse and best management practice.

Research Focus

Xiaoping’s research evaluates innovative agrochemicals and the reuse of biowaste to enhance nutrient efficiency and soil-plant health, with a long-term vision of promoting sustainable agriculture through innovations like nano-delivery systems, green nano-fertilizers, pesticides, additives, biochar, hydrogel, biofertilizers, plant growth regulators, soil conditioners, and waste reuse and best management practices.

Research Funding

1. MU Division of Research, Innovation and Impact. Project Title: Engineering Nano-Biochar Hydrogels to Enhance Soil Health and Productivity. PI: Xiaoping Xin. Role: PI 1/15/2026-1/14/2027. $13,649 (100%).

2. Missouri Soybean Center. Project Title: Leveraging the 2025 Missouri Soil Collection to Uncover Soil Physical Properties and Fungal Communities linked to SCN Densities. PI: Mandy Bish. Duration: 1/1/2026-12/31/2026. Role: Co-PI $22,000 (54.5%).

3. USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA)-Integrated Research, Education, and Extension Competitive Grants Program – Organic Transitions. Project Title: Harnessing biochar-biologicals-compost interactions to maximize productivity and sustainability of small- and medium-sized transitioning vegetable production systems. PI: Caixia Wan. Duration: 09/15/2025-09/14/2029. Role: Co-PI $960,000 (30%).

4. Missouri Fertilizer Control Board. Project Title: Integrating Biological Nitrogen Management Systems into Missouri Fertilizer Recommendations Phase 2. PI: Kelly Nelson. Duration: 7/1/2025-6/30/2028. Role: Co-PI $999,466 (11%).

Publications

1. Xin, X., Nepal, J., Shohag, J.I., de Souza Junior, J.C., He, S., Ahmad, W., Scully, B. and He, Z.*, 2025. Enhancing corn growth and nutrient uptake using carbon nanoparticles derived from carbon black: A two-year field study. Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition, 25, pp.1-16. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42729-024-02192-z
2. Rehman, S.U.*, Tu, Q., El‐Beltagi, H.S., Ahmad, M., Hussain, A., Yang, H., Khan, A.U.R., Amer, M.A., Shakeel, M.T., Ishaq, M. and Xin, X.*, 2025. Climate‐Smart Tillage and Residue Return Enhance Carbon Sequestration and Yield in Cereal–Legume Intercropping Systems. Journal of Plant Nutrition and Soil Science. https://doi.org/10.1002/jpln.70043
3. Sun, Y*., Zong, T., Zhou, Y., Yang, J., Xin, X., Zhang, W., Fang, W. and Shen, T*., 2025. Nano-biochar amendment reduces reactive gaseous nitrogen losses and improves grain yield in alternate wetting and drying paddy fields. Journal of Integrative Agriculture. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jia.2025.12.040
4. Wang, X., Hussain, B., Lian, J.*, Xin, X., Zou, T., Huang, X., Cheng, L., Yu, H., He, Z. and Yang, X.*, 2025. Time-dependent application strategies of selenium Nanofertilizer to enhance biofortification in rice and wheat. Food Chemistry: X, p.103174. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fochx.2025.103174
5. Zhou, Y., Sun, Y.*, Zong, T., Xin, X., Ding, L. and Zhao, H., 2025. Waste to worth: Fabrication of pyrolyzed coupled with ball-milled oyster shell for efficient phosphate removal and recovery. Journal of Cleaner Production, 525, p.146554. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2025.146554
6. Wang, X., Hussain, B., Xin, X., Zou, T., Huang, X., Cheng, L., Wu, Z., Yang, Y., Li, Y., He, Z. and Lian, J.*, 2025. Fate and Physiological Effects of Foliar Selenium Nanoparticles in Wheat. ACS nano. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsnano.5c05670
7. Ahmad, W., Nepal, J., Xin, X., Nadeem, M. and He, Z.*, 2025. Nano Zinc Oxide Enhances Corn Growth and Nutrient Uptake: Comparison between Soil Drench and Seed Coating Applications in Alkaline Sandy Soils. Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition, 1-13. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42729-025-02329-8

Ongoing/New Project

1. Engineering Nano-Biochar Hydrogels to Enhance Soil Health and Productivity
2. Leveraging the 2025 Missouri Soil Collection to Uncover Soil Physical Properties and Fungal Communities linked to SCN Densities.
3. Harnessing biochar-biologicals-compost interactions to maximize productivity and sustainability of small- and medium-sized transitioning vegetable production systems.
4. Integrating Biological Nitrogen Management Systems into Missouri Fertilizer Recommendations Phase 2.