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

Awards

• 2025 AFNS Teacher of the Year
• 2024 ALES Research and Innovation Award 
• 2024 Top Reviewer in the Canadian Journal of Plant Science
• 2023 University of Alberta: Agricultural Club-Teacher of the Year
• 2023 ALES Tychiniewicz Innovative Teaching Award recipient
• 2004 Fiat Panis Student Award, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany

Publications

• Toerper, J., Spaner, D., Beres, B.L., Gorim, L.Y. 2025. Beneficial management practices to stabilize Canadian wheat yield in a changing climate. Agronomy Journal. DOI: 10.1002/agj2.70222
• Pramod Rathor, Chathuranga DeSilva, Rhea Lumactud, Linda Yuya Gorim, Sylvie A. Quideau, and Malinda S. Thilakarathna. 2025. Humalite shapes the wheat rhizosphere soil microbiome by altering microbial community structure, diversity, and network stability. Applied Soil Ecology. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apsoil.2025.106414
• Wenyika, P., Enesi, R.O., Gorim, L.Y. et al. Effects of liming on soil biota and related processes in agroecosystems: a review. Discov. Soil 2, 37 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s44378-025-00063-2
• Bagale, S., Enesi, R. O., & Gorim, L. Y. (2025). An overview of root traits and ideotypes for improving crop productivity and addressing agronomic challenges. Rhizosphere, 34, 101105. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rhisph.2025.101105
• Wenyika, P., Enesi, R. O., Gorim, L. Y., & Dyck, M. (2025). Effects of liming on soil physical and chemical properties in Europe and North America: A review. Agrosystems, Geosciences & Environment, 8(3), e70175. https://doi.org/10.1002/agg2.70175
• Grubb, L. E., Talasila, M., Gorim, L. Y., & Uhrig, R. G. (2025). Defining the molecular impacts of Humalite application on field-grown wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) using quantitative proteomics. PROTEOMICS, 25(14), e13981. https://doi.org/10.1002/pmic.13981
• Guerrero-Zurita, F., Liza, S. J., Lopez, S., Gill, K., Kebede, B., Rahman, H., & Gorim, L. Y. (2025). Identifying canola (Brassica napus L.) accessions with superior photosynthetic traits and unique resource partitioning strategies. Crop Science, 65(5), e70154. https://doi.org/10.1002/csc2.70154
• 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 research program is focused on 4 components:  

• 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: 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. When applying, please indicate clearly which vacant position your application is targeting.

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 from highly motivated summer undergraduates, graduate students, and Postdoctoral fellows. 

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- A background in Agronomy or soil Science is a must!!!

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

Potential Projects include: 

MSc Position: Genomic and Phenotypic Approaches to Improve Climate Resilience and Nitrogen Use Efficiency in Western Canadian Barley - one position open. 

The Cropping Systems Research Group, led by Linda Gorim in the Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science at the University of Alberta, in collaboration with Western Crop Innovations (WCI), invites applications from highly motivated students for a Master of Science (MSc) graduate position. This project will focus on developing and evaluating improved phenotyping and genotyping approaches for barley breeding programs in Western Canada, with an emphasis on climate resilience, nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), and sustainable crop production. Research activities will involve field phenotyping, genomic analysis, and evaluation of breeding populations to identify improved selection strategies for future barley cultivar development. The barley breeding program at Western Crop Innovations focuses on developing cultivars with improved resistance to disease and environmental stress while maintaining strong agronomic performance under increasingly variable growing conditions. The successful candidate will contribute to research aimed at improving barley adaptation, resilience, nutrient use efficiency, and environmental sustainability across Western Canadian production systems.  

Stipend: $30,000–35,000 per year (MSc) Start Date: September 2026 or January 2027.

Location: Research activities will primarily be conducted at Western Crop Innovations in Lacombe, Alberta, while coursework will be completed through the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Alberta. 

Education: Applicants must possess a B.Sc. degree in Agronomy, Soil Science, Plant Breeding, Plant Genetics, Biotechnology, or a related discipline, with a strong background in crop production and agricultural research. Preference will be given to candidates currently residing in Canada. 

Experience: Experience or demonstrated interest in the following areas would be considered assets: 

• Basic agronomy  
• Laboratory and field-based research 
• Genomic and phenotypic data collection and analysis 
• Plant breeding or applied crop improvement research 

Skills:  Preferred candidates should demonstrate: 

• Knowledge of agronomy and soil science principles 
• Understanding of quantitative and qualitative genetic analysis 
• Ability to understand and analyze genomic and phenotypic datasets 
• Strong critical thinking, communication, and scientific writing skills 
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a research team 
• Experience using Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, etc.) 
• Experience using R or related statistical software for data analysis would be considered an asset 
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions accurately 
• Ability to present research findings to both producer and scientific audiences 
• Ability to build positive working relationships with individuals from diverse backgrounds and education levels 

Application Requirements:  Applicants must submit the following documents as a single PDF file: 

• Cover letter 
• Statement addressing qualifications and relevant experience 
• Curriculum vitae (CV) or resume 
• Academic transcripts 

The statement of qualifications should specifically address all qualifications listed under the Education, Experience, and Skills sections above. The use of subtitles is strongly encouraged. Applicants are also encouraged to provide specific examples demonstrating their experience and skills. Providing false or misleading information in an application will result in disqualification. Contact Information: Questions regarding the position and application process should be directed to: 

Dr. Linda Gorim 

Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta 
Email: gorim@ualberta.ca, copying Dr. Jennifer Zantinge (jzantinge@westerncropinnovations.com)

Additional Information:  All applicants must meet the graduate admission requirements of the Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science at the University of Alberta. Additional information regarding graduate admissions can be found at: University of Alberta AFNS Graduate Admissions  (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