Editorial Policies
- Editorial Policies
- Conflict of Interest and Financial Disclosures (specific to editors)
- Peer Review Process
- COPE Recommendation for Conflict of Interest (specific to editors)
- Advertisement Policies
- Publisher Policies
- Creative Commons License
- Editorial Process
- COPE Recommendation for Plagiarism
- Publication Ethics and Malpractice Statement
- Editorial Policies
The editorial policies of the Global Journal of Plant and Soil Sciences are designed to maintain high standards in the publication process. The journal is committed to publishing original, high-quality research that contributes to the scientific understanding of plant and soil sciences. All manuscripts are subject to a rigorous peer review process, ensuring that they meet the journal's standards for originality, clarity, and relevance. Editors adhere to a strict code of conduct to maintain the integrity of the publication process. Decisions regarding publication are made based on scientific merit, without any bias or discrimination. The journal values transparency, fairness, and confidentiality throughout the editorial process. Authors, reviewers, and editors are expected to comply with ethical guidelines, including those related to plagiarism, conflict of interest, and publication ethics. Any manuscripts submitted to the journal are carefully considered based on their contribution to the field, and the editorial team is committed to ensuring that the peer review process is unbiased and fair. The journal continuously reviews its editorial policies to adapt to new developments in academic publishing and to ensure that the editorial process remains transparent, ethical, and of the highest quality.
2. Conflict of Interest and Financial Disclosures (specific to editors)
Editors of the Global Journal of Plant and Soil Sciences are required to disclose any potential conflicts of interest that could influence their editorial decisions. This includes financial interests, personal relationships, or any other affiliations that may compromise impartiality. Editors must maintain objectivity and transparency throughout the editorial process. Any editor with a conflict of interest related to a submitted manuscript must recuse themselves from handling that manuscript and delegate the decision-making process to another editor. Financial disclosures are also essential to ensure that the journal's operations are not unduly influenced by external interests. Editors are encouraged to review the relevant policies and provide full financial disclosures at the time of their appointment and periodically thereafter. These disclosures help maintain the integrity of the publication process and assure authors, reviewers, and readers that editorial decisions are made based on the scientific merit of the work rather than personal gain or external pressures. The journal enforces strict guidelines to minimize conflicts of interest and promote ethical decision-making by editors, contributing to the transparency and trustworthiness of the publication.
3. Peer Review Process
The Global Journal of Plant and Soil Sciences follows a double-blind peer review process, where both authors and reviewers remain anonymous to each other. This ensures impartiality and allows reviewers to provide unbiased feedback based solely on the scientific merit of the manuscript. Upon submission, each manuscript is evaluated for suitability and relevance to the journal's scope. If deemed appropriate, it is sent to two or more expert reviewers in the field who evaluate the quality, originality, and significance of the research. Reviewers are asked to provide constructive comments and recommendations on the manuscript’s strengths and weaknesses, which are then shared with the authors. Based on the reviewers' feedback, the editorial team decides whether to accept, reject, or request revisions to the manuscript. The journal prioritizes a timely and transparent peer review process, ensuring that authors receive clear, actionable feedback to improve their manuscripts. The process aims to enhance the quality of published research and ensure that only rigorous, well-supported studies are presented to the scientific community. The journal’s peer review process is fundamental to maintaining the credibility and scientific integrity of the content it publishes.
4. COPE Recommendation for Conflict of Interest (specific to editors)
The Global Journal of Plant and Soil Sciences adheres to the guidelines set forth by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) regarding conflicts of interest for editors. Editors must avoid any situation where their personal or professional relationships could compromise their objectivity in making editorial decisions. This includes financial interests, academic rivalries, or any personal connections to the authors of a submitted manuscript. To maintain transparency, editors are required to disclose any potential conflicts of interest and recuse themselves from handling manuscripts where such conflicts may exist. In cases where conflicts are identified, the editorial team will take steps to ensure that impartiality is maintained. COPE recommends that journals establish clear policies for conflict of interest disclosures and that these policies be enforced consistently. By adhering to COPE’s recommendations, the journal aims to uphold the integrity of the editorial process, ensuring that all editorial decisions are made based on the merit of the research and not influenced by external factors. These practices are designed to build trust among authors, reviewers, and readers, maintaining the journal's credibility as a reliable and impartial source of scientific information.
5. Advertisement Policies
The Global Journal of Plant and Soil Sciences recognizes the importance of advertising as a means of supporting the financial sustainability of the journal. However, the journal maintains a strict policy to ensure that advertisements do not interfere with the editorial independence or the integrity of the content. Advertisements are clearly distinguished from editorial content and must be in compliance with relevant advertising standards. The journal does not accept advertisements that promote products or services that conflict with its scientific focus or ethical standards. Advertisers must provide accurate and non-deceptive information, and the content of the advertisements must be relevant to the audience of the journal, primarily researchers, practitioners, and policymakers in the plant and soil sciences field. Additionally, the journal ensures that all advertising is consistent with the principles of scientific integrity and does not mislead readers. The editorial team reserves the right to reject advertisements that do not meet these standards. This policy ensures that the primary mission of the journal—to publish credible, peer-reviewed research—remains unaffected by external commercial interests, maintaining trust with its readers and authors.
6. Publisher Policies
The Global Journal of Plant and Soil Sciences operates under clear publisher policies that are designed to uphold academic standards and ensure the integrity of the publication process. The publisher works closely with the editorial team to manage all aspects of publication, including manuscript submission, peer review, production, and distribution. The publisher is committed to adhering to international ethical standards in academic publishing, including those related to plagiarism, conflict of interest, and data privacy. The publisher also ensures compliance with open-access policies, making research freely available to the global scientific community. It collaborates with repositories and databases to maximize the visibility and impact of published articles. Furthermore, the publisher is dedicated to fostering an inclusive, transparent, and equitable publishing environment, providing authors with the necessary tools and resources for successful publication. The publisher also supports the journal’s ethical guidelines and helps facilitate a smooth and efficient publishing process. By adhering to best practices in academic publishing, the publisher contributes to the credibility and reputation of the journal and its commitment to scientific advancement.
7. Creative Commons License
The Global Journal of Plant and Soil Sciences utilizes Creative Commons licenses for all its published articles, which allow authors to retain the copyright of their work while permitting others to freely access, share, and reuse the content under certain conditions. The most common license used is CC BY (Attribution), which allows others to distribute, remix, and build upon the work, as long as proper attribution is given to the original author. This open-access licensing model promotes the wide dissemination of scientific knowledge, enabling research to reach a global audience. It also ensures that authors retain control over their intellectual property while benefiting from the increased visibility and impact of their work. The use of Creative Commons licenses aligns with the journal’s commitment to promoting transparency, accessibility, and collaboration within the scientific community. Authors are encouraged to choose the appropriate license for their work based on their preferences, but the journal recommends the CC BY license to maximize the reach and reuse of their research.
8. Editorial Process
The editorial process of the Global Journal of Plant and Soil Sciences ensures that only high-quality, rigorous research is published. After manuscript submission, the editorial team performs an initial assessment to determine if the manuscript aligns with the journal’s scope and standards. If suitable, the manuscript is sent to expert peer reviewers who evaluate the content for originality, relevance, clarity, and scientific validity. Reviewers provide constructive feedback and recommendations, which the editorial team uses to make final decisions on publication. The journal follows a double-blind peer review system to ensure impartiality and fairness. The editorial team also ensures that the publication process is efficient, transparent, and upholds the highest ethical standards. Authors are encouraged to respond to reviewer feedback and make necessary revisions promptly. Throughout the process, communication with authors is maintained to ensure clarity and transparency. The editorial team is dedicated to fostering a fair, unbiased, and professional review process, which supports the journal’s mission to publish impactful research in the field of plant and soil sciences.
9. COPE Recommendation for Plagiarism
The Global Journal of Plant and Soil Sciences adheres to the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) guidelines regarding plagiarism. The journal has a zero-tolerance policy toward plagiarism, which includes the copying of content, data fabrication, or misrepresentation of authorship. Manuscripts are screened for plagiarism using reliable software tools before they are sent for review. If plagiarism is detected at any stage, the manuscript will be rejected or retracted. Authors are expected to submit original work and properly cite any sources or data used in their research. The journal encourages authors to be transparent about their methodology and findings to maintain the integrity of the scientific record. By following COPE’s recommendations, the journal aims to ensure that all published work is free from unethical practices and contributes meaningfully to the scientific community. This policy underscores the importance of academic honesty, ensuring that the published content maintains its credibility and trustworthiness.
10. Publication Ethics and Malpractice Statement
The Global Journal of Plant and Soil Sciences adheres to a strict publication ethics and malpractice policy to maintain the highest standards in academic publishing. The journal is committed to transparency, integrity, and fairness in the publication process. It ensures that all manuscripts are evaluated based on their scientific merit, regardless of the authors' affiliations, gender, or nationality. The journal follows ethical guidelines for authorship, data presentation, and peer review, ensuring that no unethical practices, such as plagiarism or falsification of data, are tolerated. Any detected violations are thoroughly investigated, and appropriate actions are taken, including the retraction of articles or a formal apology to readers. The editorial team works in alignment with international standards set by organizations such as COPE to promote ethical practices in research and publication. By maintaining a strong stance on publication ethics, the journal contributes to the credibility and trustworthiness of the plant and soil sciences community and ensures that its published research is of the highest integrity.
