Associate Professoer at Institute of soil science, agrotechnologies and plant protection “Nikola Pushkarov”, Bulgaria
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gergana Slavova Kuncheva is a distinguished soil scientist whose academic and research career spans over two decades. Currently affiliated with ISSAPP “Nikola Pushkarov” in Sofia, Bulgaria, she has made significant contributions to the fields of soil erosion, soil microbiology, and environmental sustainability in agriculture. With a robust publication record in high-impact journals and active participation in national and international projects, she has become a recognized expert in her domain. Her work focuses on enhancing soil quality, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and promoting conservation practices, especially on sloping terrains. She is known for her cross-disciplinary approach, integrating molecular biology, agronomy, and geoecology to develop practical solutions for soil degradation and climate resilience. Her leadership in funded research projects, scientific awards, and involvement in scholarly societies underscores her excellence and dedication to advancing sustainable agriculture and environmental protection.
Professional Profile
Scopus Profile | ORCID Profile
Education
Dr. Gergana Kuncheva holds a Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Microbiology with a specialization in Molecular Biology, awarded by Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski” in 1995. Her educational foundation provided her with deep insights into the biochemical and microbial dynamics of soil systems, which later became the cornerstone of her research in soil ecology and sustainable land management. Her academic training emphasized scientific rigor, experimental design, and environmental analysis, all of which have informed her career trajectory. Over the years, she has continued to build upon her strong educational background through ongoing involvement in academic collaborations, interdisciplinary research, and leadership in agricultural science initiatives. Her academic journey reflects a consistent focus on integrating biological science with environmental and agricultural research, making her education both foundational and forward-looking.
Experience
With over 25 years of professional experience in soil science, Dr. Gergana Kuncheva has served in various academic roles, including Chief Assistant Professor and currently Associate Professor at ISSAPP “Nikola Pushkarov.” Her career is marked by continuous research engagement, project coordination, and scientific mentorship. She has participated in and led several national and international research projects focused on soil erosion, sustainable agriculture, greenhouse gas emissions, and soil quality assessment. In recent years, she has coordinated major projects under the Bulgarian National Science Fund and the Agricultural Academy, tackling topics like satellite-based soil moisture modeling and erosion forecasting. Her experience also includes scientific publication, peer review, conference presentations, and editorial contributions. Beyond research, she contributes to academic training, knowledge dissemination, and interdisciplinary team leadership, reinforcing her role as a respected figure in Bulgaria’s scientific community and beyond.
Research Interests
Dr. Kuncheva’s research interests encompass a wide range of critical topics in environmental and agricultural sciences. Her primary focus is on soil erosion control, soil microbiology, and organic matter dynamics, especially in sloping and vulnerable terrains. She is deeply engaged in understanding the interactions between soil structure, microbial activity, and conservation agriculture. Her additional interests include greenhouse gas emissions from agricultural soils, carbon and nitrogen cycling, and the application of remote sensing and modeling in evaluating soil-water balance. She is also involved in the development and testing of innovative agro-technologies to reduce erosion and improve productivity under climate stress. Her work aims to provide scalable, eco-friendly solutions that align with sustainable development goals. By integrating laboratory analysis, field experimentation, and advanced modeling techniques, her research not only advances scientific understanding but also addresses real-world environmental challenges in agriculture.
Awards and Honors
Dr. Gergana Kuncheva has received multiple accolades in recognition of her outstanding scientific contributions. Notably, she has been twice awarded the Crystal Prize for Best Paper at the Scientific Conference of the University of Ruse (2012 and 2015), which highlights her excellence in research communication and scientific writing. Her work has gained national recognition through prestigious project leadership roles funded by the Bulgarian National Science Fund and the Agricultural Academy. She is an active member of the Union of Scientists in Bulgaria and the Bulgarian Soil Science Society, where she contributes to the advancement of soil science and agricultural sustainability. These honors reflect her commitment to impactful research and her ability to lead collaborative, interdisciplinary studies. Her award-winning publications and conference presentations further demonstrate her position as a thought leader in the field of soil ecology and sustainable land management.
Research Skills
Dr. Kuncheva possesses a rich repertoire of research skills that span both laboratory-based and field-oriented investigations. She is proficient in soil biochemical and microbiological analysis, erosion modeling, GHG emission monitoring, and soil structure characterization. Her technical expertise includes the use of remote sensing data, GIS tools, and multivariate statistical techniques to analyze complex environmental interactions. She is skilled in coordinating large-scale experiments on sloping arable lands, where she applies anti-erosion technologies and evaluates their effectiveness using both traditional and modern scientific approaches. Dr. Kuncheva is also experienced in scientific writing, grant proposal development, and academic mentoring. Her capability to design and execute interdisciplinary research projects, manage collaborative teams, and disseminate findings in high-impact forums makes her a valuable contributor to both the scientific and policy-making communities. These skills underpin her successful track record of securing funding and producing actionable knowledge for sustainable agriculture.
Publications Top Notes
Title: Loss of Nutrients by Soil Water Erosion
Author: Gergana Kuncheva
Conference: 2020 7th International Conference on Energy Efficiency and Agricultural Engineering (EE&AE)
Date: November 12–14, 2020
Type: Conference Paper
DOI: 10.1109/EEAE49144.2020.9278977
Title: Comparative Study of Microbial Activity and Chemical Properties of Soil by Implementing Anti-Erosion Measure Vertical Mulching with Organic Residues
Author: Gergana S. Kuncheva
Journal: Acta Universitatis Agriculturae et Silviculturae Mendelianae Brunensis
Year: 2015
ISSN: 1211-8516
DOI: 10.11118/actaun201563010059
EID (Scopus): 2-s2.0-84925423523
Conclusion
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gergana Kuncheva stands out as a dedicated and impactful researcher whose work addresses global environmental challenges such as soil degradation, greenhouse gas mitigation, and sustainable agriculture. Her impressive track record in academic research, project leadership, scientific communication, and institutional service reflects both her expertise and her potential for further innovation. Her multidisciplinary work contributes significantly to both science and society, and she embodies the qualities of a Best Researcher Award recipient.
