Oksana Valetska

My research spans experimental studies, modelling, and systems‑level assessments, and I am especially interested in how bio‑based fertilisers influence soil processes, nutrient availability, and long‑term carbon dynamics.

I have worked across different parts of the agricultural value chain, from soil processes and fertiliser technologies to crop responses and farmers’ decision‑making. Much of my work involves evaluating bio‑based fertilisers derived from waste streams and understanding their agronomic performance, environmental impacts, and potential role in more circular food systems. 

I am active in both Sweden and Ukraine, contributing to research projects, teaching initiatives, and outreach activities that strengthen knowledge exchange across borders.

2016 Ph.D. in Agricultural Sciences 
Influence of organic fertiliser application on sod-podzolic soil fertility and productivity level of crop rotation. National scientific centre «Institute for Soil Science and Agrochemistry Research named after O. N. Sokolovsky», Kharkiv, Ukraine. 

2009 M.Sc. in Agronomy and Soil Science (honours degree).
Influence of organic fertiliser application on production and quality of potatoes and fertility of sod-weakly podzolic soil. National University of Water Management and Environmental Engineering , Rivne, Ukraine

2008 B.Sc. in Agronomy (honours degree).
National University of Water Management and Environmental Engineering, Rivne, Ukraine

Studying soil microbiology to strengthen circular nutrient strategies for sustainable farming
KSLA, Sweden (2025-present), PI
This project explores how bio-based fertilisers (BBFs) reshape soil microbial communities, carbon use efficiency, and nutrient cycling in Swedish agricultural soil. Building on previous findings, it links microbial assays with agronomic outcomes to explain why some BBFs sustain yields while altering nutrient and carbon dynamics. The results will guide circular nutrient strategies, strengthen soil health, and support climate-resilient farming

CiNURGi – Circular Nutrient Recycling in the Baltic Region
EU Interreg Baltic Sea Region (November 2023 – October 2026) 
Task leader for piloting the evaluation standards for quality control and agronomic value of recycled nutrients. My work includes coordinating evaluation activities across centres, synthesising results, and contributing to the development of harmonised assessment methods. I also participate in market analysis and the review of policy frameworks influencing nutrient recycling and support centres in Sweden.

Scholarship program
SLU, Sweden (2022-2024)
During my scholarship at Department of Soil and Environment, I investigated nutrient release and mineralisation dynamics of bio‑based fertilisers from Ukraine and Sweden, including their interactions with biostimulants to support more sustainable fertilisation strategies

BIO‑CROP – Bio‑Based Agroecosystem Transitions in the Baltic and Nordic Regions
Agroecology Partnership, 2nd co‑funded call (from January 2026), co-applicant 
Participating in research on integrated relay‑cropping systems to support agroecological transitions in the Baltic and Nordic regions. The project focuses on bio‑based solutions that enhance soil health, nutrient cycling, and resilience in cropping systems.

BioCash – Integrating Soil Process Models with Economic Assessment
EJP Soil, EU (November 2022 – November 2023)
Contributed to linking soil biogeochemical models with an economic modelling framework to improve understanding of how agricultural systems can transition toward more sustainable and resource‑efficient practices. This work supported scenario development and evaluation of soil‑friendly management strategies.

Professional contributions and achievements in Ukraine
My professional background includes more than a decade of active engagement in Ukraine’s agricultural research and scientific community. I am the lead author of two registered utility model patents (2018, 2020) related to the production of bio‑based fertilisers, and I have authored three scientific and practical recommendations on the development and application of bio‑based fertilisers for Ukrainian agricultural systems.

Between 2014 and 2019, I served as the principal investigator for three research projects and contributed as a co‑investigator to four additional projects funded by the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine. My work focused on soil fertility, nutrient management, and the development of innovative fertiliser products.

I have been a member of the Public Organisation “Ukrainian Society of Soil Scientists and Agrochemists” since 2009, contributing to national scientific dialogue and professional development within the soil science community.

In addition, I have presented insights gained through my work at SLU at major Ukrainian conferences, including the 2025 Innovations in the Agro‑Industrial Sector, Mechanical Engineering and Transport and the 2024 Ukraine’s Food Systems: Post‑War Recovery and Sustainable Development events.

Organisation of online lectures for Ukrainian students
Since 2024, I have initiated and organised online guest lectures and knowledge‑exchange events for Ukrainian universities. The aim is to address these needs by offering Ukrainian students and faculty direct access to current research, modern methodologies, and international perspectives conducted at SLU.

Students and faculty from multiple Ukrainian universities are actively engaged in the lecture series, including:

• State Biotechnological University (Kharkiv)
• National University of Water Management and Environmental Engineering (Rivne)
• Lesya Ukrainka Volyn National University (Lutsk)
• State Agrarian and Economic University (Dnipro)

Engagement with the agricultural sector in Ukraine
I have collaborated extensively with agricultural producers and fertiliser companies in Ukraine, working with farms of different sizes engaged in sustainable and resource‑efficient production. My activities included delivering lectures and training sessions for farmers, providing consulting on nutrient management and fertiliser application, and supporting the adoption of bio‑based fertilisers through cooperation with national fertiliser producers.

• Coordination the “Soil Science Talk” series at Soil and Environment Dep., SLU (since 2024)
• Supervision literature review master student SLU (2024) and internship master student (2025)
• Designed and delivered field-based outreach activities for farmers, including Demo-day (2025) and Borgeby Fältdagar 2025.
• Facilitated workshop on policy recommendations for nutrient recycling (HELCOM, 2025).
• Public communication of research results through an article in Lantbrukets Affärer (2025).
• Member of The Society for Women Researchers in Uppsala, since 2022 (board member)