Soil Science Leader Honored for Decades of Agricultural Excellence
Dr. Rigas Karamanos has been selected as the 2025 recipient of the Les Henry Award, an honor that recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to soil and water science and their practical application in agriculture across Western Canada.
The award celebrates leadership, innovation, and dedication to helping farmers improve their operations through scientific knowledge. Karamanos is the third person to receive this recognition since the award was established in 2024 to honor the legacy of the late Les Henry, a respected soil scientist and agricultural educator.
The official award presentation will take place during Ag in Motion near Langham, Saskatchewan. The event will feature a presentation by Dr. Don Flaten, the 2024 recipient of the Les Henry Award. An interview panel session will also be held, bringing together leading experts in soil science and agronomy.
Karamanos has spent more than five decades supporting agriculture through research, teaching, extension activities, and industry leadership. During his career, he authored or co-authored more than 400 research papers, technical reports, and conference proceedings. He also delivered over 1,000 presentations to farmers, researchers, and industry professionals.
“This is a real honor,” said Karamanos. “Les played an important part in the extension part of my career, from presenting to communication with growers. Les and I developed a new system of fertilizer recommendations in 1991 based on water use efficiency, later published as Nitrogen Fertilizer Recommendation Zones.
His work has helped advance soil fertility management and nutrient-use practices across the Canadian Prairies. One of his notable achievements was collaborating on fertilizer recommendation systems that improved nutrient management by considering water-use efficiency. These contributions have helped bridge the gap between scientific research and practical farming solutions.
Throughout his career, Karamanos worked in academic institutions, operated a soil laboratory in Saskatchewan, and held leadership roles in major agricultural companies. His dedication to knowledge sharing and farmer education has earned him widespread respect within the agricultural community.
The award also highlights the lasting influence of Les Henry, whose work in soil science, education, and agricultural communication continues to inspire future generations. His well-known handbook remains an important resource for agricultural professionals and students.
Photo Credit: Croptimistic Technology Inc.