Professor Rattan Lal Ranks Among World's Most Influential Scientists

By Andi Anderson

Rattan Lal is recognized as one of the most influential scientists in the world, according to the 2025 Scholar GPS Global Rankings.

The rankings highlight both lifetime achievement and recent research impact, placing Lal among a small group of researchers with sustained global influence.

Currently serving as a professor at The Ohio State University, Lal has built a career focused on soil science, sustainability, and climate resilience. In the global rankings, he is placed among the top scientists across multiple research fields that are vital to agriculture and environmental management.

Lal is ranked number one globally in several areas, including natural resources, carbon sequestration, land degradation, soil carbon, soil conservation, soil health, natural environment studies, and water conservation.

These rankings reflect his leadership in understanding how healthy soils support food production, protect natural resources, and reduce climate risks.

He also holds second place rankings in agriculture, crop residue management, crop yield research, and soil erosion studies. In addition, Lal ranks third in food security and sustainable management. Strong placements are also noted in cropping systems, sustainable agriculture, climate change, and ecosystem research, showing the broad impact of his work.

The Scholar GPS system evaluates research influence using several measures, including research productivity, citation impact, and the h-index. Lal’s academic record is exceptional.

He has authored or co-authored about 1,200 peer reviewed journal articles, written 25 books, edited or co-edited 85 additional volumes, and earned nearly 190,000 citations. His h-index of 208 reflects consistent, high impact research over many decades.

Beyond publications, Lal has made a strong contribution to education and mentorship. During his career, he has guided and trained more than 425 professionals from countries around the world. His mentorship has helped shape future leaders in agriculture, soil science, and environmental research.

The Scholar GPS rankings recognize both lifetime accomplishments and recent five year performance. This dual recognition highlights Lal’s continued leadership and lasting influence. His work remains central to advancing sustainable agriculture, strengthening food security, and improving soil and environmental health worldwide.

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