Enhancing Rice Seed Production in Ethiopia with Silicon-Rich Biochar

Abstract

Rice is a critical staple crop in Ethiopia, playing a key role in ensuring food security. However, rice production in the country faces significant challenges, including low seed quality and yield. The application of silicon-rich rice husk biochar has emerged as a promising approach to address these constraints and improve the sustainability of rice seed production systems. This comprehensive review synthesizes the current state of knowledge on the use of rice husk biochar as a source of plant-available silicon to enhance rice seed quality, yield, and stress tolerance in Ethiopian agroecosystems. The manuscript critically evaluates the existing research on the agronomic, environmental, and socioeconomic impacts of applying silicon-enriched biochar in rice seed production, and identifies key knowledge gaps and future research priorities. The findings suggest that the integration of rice husk biochar into rice seed production systems can significantly improve seed germination, vigor, and yield, while also enhancing nutrient use efficiency and soil health. However, more research is needed to optimize application rates, methods, and integration with other sustainable management practices. Overall, this review provides important insights to guide the development of evidence-based strategies for enhancing the productivity and sustainability of rice seed production in Ethiopia.