Linda Gorim, PhD

Area of Study / Keywords

Agronomy nutrient use efficiency abiotic stresses cropping systems- crop rotation cover and intercropping soil amendments in cropping systems

About

Professional Research Associate

Identification of drought traits in wild lentil genotypes for lentil breeding - University of Saskatchewan

PDF

Lentil underground and drought traits in wild lentil germplasm - University of Saskatchewan

PhD

Crop Water Stress Management: Seedling establishment - University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart Germany

Award

Foundation Fiat Panis, Ulm Germany

Publications

Wenyika P, Enesi RO, Gorim LY, Miles Dyck M. Effects of liming on soil biota and related processes: A review. Discover Soils. Accepted – May 2025.

Bagale S, Enesi RO, Gorim LY. An overview of root traits and ideotypes for improving crop productivity and addressing agronomic challenges.  Rhizosphere.  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rhisph.2025.101105.

Rathor P, Gorim LY, Chen G, Thilakarathna MS. The effect of Humalite in improving soil nitrogen availability and plant nutrient uptake for higher yield and oil content in canola. Physiologia Plantarum, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1111/ppl.70201. (IF = 5.0)

Gorim LY, Enesi OR, Abrams SR, Banniza S. Breaking seed dormancy in wild lentil species using an abscisic acid antagonist to explore and utilize wild relatives as genetic resources. Legume Science, 2025. DOI: 10.1002/leg3.70022.  In press. (IF=4.76)

Enesi RO, Mbanyele V, Gorim LY.  Pea-oats intercropping: agronomy and the benefits of including oats as a companion crop. Field Crop Research 2025. DOI: 10.1016/j.fcr.2025.109863. (IF =5.6).

Nallanthighal AV, Enesi, RO, Thilakarathna MS, Gorim LY. Agronomic responses and economic returns from wheat–canola rotation under Humalite and urea applications. Agronomy Journal, 2024 Sep 116(6):3256-3272. DOI: 10.1002/agj2.21681. (IF=2)

Enesi RO, Dyck MF, Thilakarathna MS, Strelkov SE, Gorim LY. Calibrated SoilOptix ® estimates of soil pH and exchangeable cations in three agricultural fields in western Canada – implications for managing spatially variable soil acidity. Heliyon, 2024 Aug 28;10(17):e37106. PMID: 39281450. (IF=3.4)

Rathor P, Upadhyay P, Ullah A, Warkentin TD, Gorim LY, Thilakarathna MS. The biostimulatory effect of humic based soil amendment on plant growth, root nodulation symbiotic nitrogen fixation and yield of field pea (Pisum sativum L). Journal of Sustainable Agriculture and Environment, 2024 July 25;3:e70001. DOI: 10.1002/sae2.70001. (IF=5.33)

Mbanyele V, Enesi RO, Shaw L, Gorim LY. A review of intercropping systems in Western Canada. Agronomy Journal, 2024 Jun 116(5):2089-2108 DOI: 10.1002/agj2.21622. (IF=2)

Yang C, Fredua-Agyeman R, Hwang S-F, Gorim LY, Ozga AJ, Strelkov ES. Optimizing the evaluation of root system architectural traits in Brassica napus. Canadian Journal of Plant Science, 2024 Jun 104(3):1-55. DOI:10.1139/cjps-2023-0169. (IF=1)

Gorim LY. An intellectual gap in root research on major crops of the Canadian Prairies. Canadian Journal of Plant Science, 2024 Jun 104(3):1-11. DOI: 10.1139/CJPS-2023-0020. (IF=1)  

Yang C, Fredua-Agyeman R, Hwang S-F, Gorim LY, Strelkov SE. Genome wide association studies of root system architecture traits in a broad collection of Brassica genotypes. Frontiers in Plant Science, 2024 May 28:15:1389082. PMID:  38863549. (IF=4.1)

Rathor P, Rouleau V, Gorim LY, Chen G, Thilakarathna MS. Humalite enhances the growth, grain yield, and protein content of wheat by improving soil nitrogen availability and nutrient uptake. Journal of Plant Nutrition Soil Science, 2024 Apr; 187(2)247-259. DOI: 10.1002/jpln.202300280. (IF=2.6)

Rathor P, Gorim LY, Thilakarathna MS. Humic acid improves wheat growth by altering the expression of genes in auxin and cytokinin biosynthesis pathways. AoB Plants, 2024 Mar 25;16(2): plae018. PMID:38601216. (IF=2.6)

Rathor P, Vianne R, Gorim LY, Chen G, Thilakarathna MS. Humalite enhances the growth, grain yield and protein content of wheat by improving soil nitrogen availability and nutrient uptake. Journal of Plant Nutrition and Soil Science, 2024 Jan 18;187(2):247-259. DOI: 10.1002/jpln.202300280. (IF=2.6)

Vargas A, Gorim LY, Bett KE. Increasing diversity among Lens species for improving biological nitrogen fixation in lentils. Crop Science, 2023 Nov 22;64(1):164–178. DOI: 10.1002/csc2.21152. (IF=2)

Rathor P, Gorim LY, Thilakarathna MS. Plant physiological and molecular responses triggered by humic based biostimulants - A way forward to sustainable agriculture. Plant Soil, 2023 Aug 4;492:31-60. DOI: 10.1007/s11104-023-06156-7. (IF=3.9)

Enesi RO, Dyck M, Chang S, Fan X, Thilakarathna M, Strelkov SE, Gorim LY. Liming remediates soil acidity and improves crop yield and profitability - A Meta-analysis. Frontiers in Agronomy, 2023 Jun 18;5:1-13.  DOI: 10.3389/fagro.2023.1194896. (IF=3.5) 

Lumactud RA, Gorim LY, Thilakarathna MS. Impacts of humic-based products on microbial community structure and functions towards sustainable agriculture. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, Sec. Crop Biology and Sustainability, 2022 Nov 21;6:1-14.  DOI: 10.3389/fsufs.2022.977121. (IF=3.7)

Ampong K, Thilakarathna M, Gorim LY.  Understanding the role of humic acids on crop performance and soil health. Frontiers in Agronomy, 2022 Mar 1;4:1-14. DOI: 10.3389/fagro.2022.848621

Research

Background: Western Canadian cropping systems have been profitable for a very long time despite challenges resulting from biotic and abiotic stresses. Tight cereals, pulses, and canola crop rotations dominate and are selected for profitability but quickly become unfeasible due to serious diseases such as clubroot and Aphanomyces. In addition, variable and unpredictable changes in environmental conditions during the growing season pose a challenge to crop production. Simplistic crop rotations also increasingly rely on chemical inputs such as pesticides and fertilizers, which are unsustainable long term, considering increased fertilizer prices in recent years. Producers, the Ag industry, and the Government are seeking sustainable solutions that would benefit both producers, train highly qualified personnel, and protect the environment via greenhouse gas emission reduction. Diversifying crop rotations, integrating superior genetics and advanced agronomic practices are required to address the said challenges, but information is lagging. Long-term solutions require a systems approach to the role of crop rotations and agronomic practices on crop and soil health. Several agronomists in Western Canada are involved in addressing aspects of the aforementioned challenges.

My highly collaborative field-based collaborative research program is focused on 4 components (see figures):  

• Diversification of cropping systems (crop rotations, cover crops, intercropping, low input systems): Linking crop productivity, water and fertilizer use efficiency, soil management and economic benefits.
• Optimization of inputs in diversified cropping systems: the interaction of amendments (Humalite/ humic products, lime, biochar, EENFs, PGRs) and nitrogen sources under normal and abiotic stresses (drought and heat).
• Basic Agronomy - Optimization of agronomic components in different cropping systems e.g., evaluations of seeding rates, depth, plant establishment, yield gap etc.
• Optimization from a below-ground perspective (Root Research): Addressing agronomic problems from a root perspective.

"People were people before they became scientists"

Teaching

Teaching and mentorship: For teaching, the vision is a program that develops undergraduate students into leading highly qualified personnel capable of providing expertise to all sectors of the crop industry, including primary producers, agri-businesses, agricultural policymakers, and other relevant stakeholders. Student mentoring and supervision that incorporates work-life-balance and also focuses on the development of soft skills in the workplace is an integral part of my research program. 

1. Exploring field crop agronomy (PL SC 210) - Fall
2. Work experience in Agriculture (WKEXP 988): Summer internship included - Begins every May-August annually.

Postdoc, Technicians & Graduate Student Opportunities: 

All graduate opportunities are advertised here on my homepage. I do not respond to individual inquiries except when you have already secured your own funding.

Closed positions will be indicated as 'Closed' i.e. recruitment has occurred.

The Cropping Systems Research Group led by Dr. Linda Gorim in the Department of Agricultural, Food, and Nutritional Science at the University of Alberta invites applications for highly motivated summer, undergrad, and graduate students and Postdocs. 

Please, check here for open positions and follow instructions. I don't respond to individual inquiries!!!

- For MSc Applicants: A Bachelor’s degree from a North American or European university is required or an MSc from another country. A combination of a Bachelor’s degree in a comparable field and at least two years of professional experience in research environments may be considered.

- For Ph.D. Applicants: An MSc degree from a North American or European university is required.

- For Postdoc Applicants: Your Ph.D. should have been completed within the last 1-3 years 

Potential Projects include: 

1 Undergraduate position- closed

Injury incurred when PGR is applied in AC Morgan (oats) under controlled conditions and the impact on crop health.

MSc position: Cover crop establishment timing and nitrogen dynamics under low pH.- open!!!

The Cropping System Research Group, led by Dr. Linda Gorim in the Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science at the University of Alberta, invites applications for highly motivated graduate students (MSc). The project involves addressing agronomic problems from a root trait perspective.

Stipend: $25,000/year (MSc)

Start Date: September 2025 or January 2026

Qualifications

Education: A Bachelor’s degree in agronomy or biology is required.  A BSc in Plant Breeding or Horticulture will not be considered.

Experience: Basic agronomy.

Skills:

• Knowledge of agronomy and soil science
• Critical thinking and writing skills
• Ability to work independently
• Demonstrated ability to use Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, Powerpoint, Teams, etc);
• Demonstrated ability to use R for data analysis would be an asset
• Demonstrated ability to follow written and verbal instructions
• Demonstrated ability to present research results to producers and/or scientific audiences
• Demonstrated ability to create and foster relationships with people of diverse backgrounds and education levels

All Applicants: Applications must include a cover letter, a statement addressing specific background requirements and qualifications, a resume, and transcripts. These documents should be submitted as a single PDF document. The statement addressing qualifications must address every one of the qualifications listed in the above sections on education, experience, and skills. The use of subtitles is strongly recommended. We also strongly encourage providing specific examples of actions or behaviors to demonstrate experience or skill. Reporting false information in your application will lead to disqualification.

Inquiries regarding these positions and applications should be emailed to Dr. Linda Gorim at gorim@ualberta.ca 

All students must meet admission requirements to the Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science at the University of Alberta (https://www.ualberta.ca/agriculture-life-environment-sciences/programs/graduate-programs/prospective-students/agricultural-food-and-nutritional-science/afns-admission-process)

1 PhD position: Nitrification Inhibition on GHG Emissions, Soil Health and Barley Performance (Required background: Agronomy and Soil Science) - closed

Education: An MSc in Agronomy or Soil Sciences is required (see previous conditions for PhD admissions for details).

• Strong academic background and interest in conducting advanced studies in agronomy or soil science.
• Possess strong statistical and writing skills.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• An ability to work closely with others in a team environment, as well as develop and undertake innovative scientific approaches.
• Possess strong organizational skills and problem-solving ability.
• Willingness to engage in problem-solving, data analysis, and thesis development.
• Ability to work independently in the field for extended periods.
• Ability to multitask.
• A valid graduated (non-probationary) driver’s license and a clean driving record will be an asset.

1 Postdoc position (Your Ph.D. must have been completed within the last 1-3 years) - Closed!!!

Project Title: Lentil seeding rates and peaola on-farm trials.

Opportunity:  Post-doctoral Fellow.

Project Leads:  Dr. Linda Gorim, Assistant Professor, WGRF Chair in Cropping Systems, Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutritional Science. Dr. Gorim is looking for a PhD graduate who has completed their degree in North America or Europe and is interested in on-farm research involving drones.

Timelines:  Preferred start date: October 1, 2024, or earlier, the position will remain open until filled.

Project Description:  We are seeking a Postdoc to work on projects focusing on:

• Lentil seeding rates in Alberta- on-farm trial
• Peaola trials- both on-farm and in small plots
• Other intercropping systems

Position Requirements:  All individuals applying should:

• Have completed their PhD in the last 3 years maximum
• Have a strong academic background and interest in conducting advanced studies in agronomy or cropping systems.
• Evidence of strong statistical and writing skills.
• Evidence of excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Evidence of strong organizational skills and problem-solving ability.
• Evidence that they can work independently in the field for extended periods.
• Evidence that they can multi-task.
• Have the ability to work closely with others in a team environment, as well as develop and undertake innovative scientific approaches.
• A valid graduated (non-probationary) driver’s license and a clean driving record.

How to Apply:  Interested candidates should send a copy of transcripts, CV, and a statement of research experience and interests (1 page limit) as a single document, with the names of three references, to: Dr. Linda Gorim, Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta – gorim@ualberta.ca  

We thank all applicants for their interest. Only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted!!!

Websites: https://apps.ualberta.ca/directory/person/gorim

Visiting scholars: Open for discussion if you have complete funding and you are not a visiting PhD student

*** We thank all applicants for their interest. Only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted. 

PL SC 210 - Exploring Field Crop Agronomy

Introduction to basic agronomy of western Canadian field crops. Students will experience agronomic practices, crop equipment and technology hands-on. Extended field trip prior to the start of classes. Prerequisite: 30 units.

WKEXP 988 - Work Experience in Agriculture

Incorporates the agronomic knowledge gained during a summer internship with transferable skills in the workplace. Students will work continuously on several skills throughout the summer with input from their supervisors (Ag company) and course instructor. Important work- related topics including work-life balance, the Drama Triangle and leadership styles will also be taught.

Browse more courses taught by Linda Gorim