CSIC, World Association of Soil and Water Conservation-WASWAC ESBN, ESSC, WASWAC - Spain
Professional Profiles:
Scopus Profile
researchgate Profile
Early Academic Pursuits:
Dr. José Luis Rubio commenced his scientific journey at the Institute of Agrochemistry and Food Technology (IATA) in Valencia, Spain, under the Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC). His initial focus was on investigating the dynamics of nutrients in soils, leading to a doctorate degree in the study of potassium dynamics. In 1976, he was awarded a postdoctoral scholarship from the World Bank and the Spanish Government, enabling further studies in the USA on the use of stable nitrogen isotopes (N15) in soil-plant systems and the dynamics of slow-release nitrogen fertilizers.
Professional Endeavors:
His professional trajectory included pioneering work in combating desertification, environmental security, and socio-economic consequences of land degradation. Notably, he contributed significantly to institutional aspects, advisory responsibilities, and shaping public opinion. Rubio played a pivotal role in the development of empirical models for water erosion, the restoration of degraded ecosystems, and the study of the impact of forest fires.
Contributions and Research Focus:
Rubio's contributions extend to various aspects of Mediterranean terrestrial ecosystems, integrated mapping methodologies, and the evaluation of soil conservation initiatives. He was a driving force behind the establishment of the European Society for Soil Conservation (ESSC) and served as its President from 1998 to 2011. His research spanned projects on coastal dune system evaluation, sandy soil rehabilitation, and the use of organic urban residues in land restoration.
Accolades and Recognition:
His dedication and contributions to the field earned him several prestigious awards, including the Jaime I Award of Environmental Protection in 1996. Rubio was appointed as the Scientific Advisor of the Spanish Delegation during the elaboration of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) and played a crucial role in Annex IV, focusing on desertification in Mediterranean Europe.
Impact and Influence:
Rubio's influence extended to EU-level roles, such as representing Spain in the Steering Group on Soil Erosion and Conservation of the Directorate-General VI (Agriculture) of the European Economic Community (EEC). He organized the International Conference on Strategies to Combat Desertification in Mediterranean Europe in 1987, showcasing his leadership and impact on a global scale.
Legacy and Future Contributions:
As the founder of the Desertification Research Center-CIDE in 1996 and his involvement in various international initiatives, Rubio left a lasting legacy. His emphasis on soil security and the socio-economic consequences of desertification processes continues to shape discussions and policies. Although administratively retired, he remains actively engaged in scientific, organizational, advisory, and outreach initiatives, showcasing a commitment to advancing the field and addressing global environmental challenges.
Notable Publications:
1 Relationship of weather types on the seasonal and spatial variability of rainfall, runoff, and sediment yield in the western Mediterranean basin Peña-Angulo, D., Nadal-Romero, E., González-Hidalgo, J.C., ...Zabaleta, A., Zorn, M. 2020, 11(6), 609 - (14)
2 Spatial variability of the relationships of runoff and sediment yield with weather types throughout the Mediterranean basin Peña-Angulo, D., Nadal-Romero, E., González-Hidalgo, J.C., ...Zabaleta, A.Zorn, M.This link is disabled., 2019, 571, pp. 390–405 -(49)
3 The contribution of the European Society for Soil Conservation (ESSC) to scientific knowledge, education and sustainability Dazzi, C., Cornelis, W., Costantini, E.A.C., ...Theocharopoulos, S., Vasenev, I.2019, 7(1), pp. 102–107 ( 5)
4 Soil quality and policy Webb, J., Rubio, J.L., Fullen, M.A. 2018, pp. 57–68 (2)
5 Humusica 1, article 1: Essential bases – Vocabulary Zanella, A., Ponge, J.-F., Gobat, J.-M., ...Chertov, O., Rubio, J.L. This link is disabled., 2018, 122, pp. 10–21 (
6 Multifaceted impacts of sustainable land management in drylands: A review Marques, M.J., Schwilch, G., Lauterburg, N., ...Rubio, J.L., Schmiedel, U.This link is disabled., 2016, 8(2), 177 (18)
7 Water repellency of air-dried and sieved samples from limestone soils in central Portugal collected before and after prescribed fire González-Pelayo, O., Gimeno-García, E., Ferreira, C.S.S., ...Andreu, V., Rubio, J.L.This link is disabled., 2015, 394(1-2), pp. 199–214 (22)
8 Discussion: Food security and sustainable food systems: The role of soil Zanella, M.A., Rahmanian, M., Perch, L.N., ...Rist, S., Mapfumo, P. This link is disabled., 2015, 3(2), pp. 154–159 (9)
9 Cementing agents involved in the macro- and microaggregation of a Mediterranean shrubland soil under laboratory heating Campo, J., Gimeno-García, E., Andreu, V., González-Pelayo, O., Rubio, J.L. This link is disabled., 2014, 113, pp. 165–176 (18)
10Comparative analysis of policies to deal with wildfire risk Carreiras, M., Ferreira, A.J.D., Valente, S., ...Ferreira, C.S.S., Ritsema, C.J.This link is disabled., 2014, 25(1), pp. 92–103 This link is disabled., 2014, 25(1), pp. 92–103 (40)