No-till Research Articles

Irrigation Management in Garlic Cultivars for Improved Yield and Water Efficiency under Zero Tillage Condition

The significant increase in the scarcity of water for farming and price rise of energy required to make water available for irrigation have made it essential to improve water efficiency of crops. Therefore, an experiment was conducted at the farmer’s field of Haybatpur and Chalan Beel (Gurudaspur) of Natore for two consecutive years to develop appropriate irrigation management practice for higher yield of garlic. The experiment consisted of four treatments: farmer’s irrigation practice (T1); Four irrigation frequency (1st: Irrigation @ 20-25 days after sowing (DAS) + 2nd to 4th Irrigation @23-26 days interval) (T2); Three irrigation frequency (1st: at 20-25 DAS + 2nd: at 45-46 DAS + 3rd: at 60 DAS) plus organic matter at basal dose @ 2kg decimal-1 (T3); Three irrigation frequency (1st: at 20-25 DAS + 2nd: at 45-46 DAS + 3rd: at 60 DAS) (T4). The cultivars used were Binarosun-1 (V1) and Italy hybrid (V2). The highest yield (12.1 t ha-1 and 12.5 t ha-1 at 2021 and 2022 respectively) as well as BCR was obtained in treatment T3. Treatments were set to increase the efficiency of water use by 25-40% than conventional practices. Based on the results, three times irrigation and organic matter addition as basal dose with zero tillage practice is suggested for sustained garlic production in Natore area.

Antennal olfactory responses in the black soldier fly Hermetia illucens

The Black Soldier Fly (BSF) is considered as the “crown jewel” of the insect feed industry and circular economy, significantly contributing to the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals by reducing carbon dioxide emissions and enabling circular management of organic waste, animal manure, and plant residues. Despite their industrial importance, limited knowledge about adult BSF biology has hindered optimal mass production. In this context, the present paper aims to explore the olfactory capabilities of both male and female BSF in response to various odorants commonly associated with organic decomposition in substrates suitable for mate encounters and egg laying. This will be achieved by performing electroantennographic recordings and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations on the antennal sensilla. Our results demonstrate for the first time the supposed olfactory capabilities of BSF antennae and present a first dataset of substances emitted by decaying organic matter detected by both male and female flies. Additionally, the current EAG recordings allowed comparisons with molecular data previously obtained through in silico and in vitro methods, highlighting the need for caution and strongly supporting a multidisciplinary approach as the best tool for investigating insect chemical ecology. These findings advance our understanding of BSF chemical ecology, which is crucial for effective reproduction and could significantly optimize global breeding systems

Modelling and optimization of trajectory deviation for compound directional drilling in coal mines

During the sliding mode of compound directional drilling process in coal mines, the inclined angle and azimuth angle need to be changed to minimize the trajectory deviation between the actual trajectory and the designed trajectory. The inclined angle and azimuth angle can be changed by adjusting the tool face angle. In this article, a modelling and optimization method is proposed to obtain optimal tool face angle for sliding mode. Firstly, the gaussian process regression method is employed to build calculation model of trajectory deviation. The optimization model of trajectory deviation consists of the established calculation model of trajectory deviation and the set constraints. Then, the optimal inclination angle and azimuth angle are obtained by solving the constitutive optimization model using an improved particle swarm optimization algorithm. Next, the calculation model of tool face angle is built to represent the relationship between inclination angle, azimuth angle and tool face angle. The optimal tool face angle is calculated based on optimal inclined angle and azimuth angle. Finally, an industrial case study based on the actual drilling data verifies that the proposed method is beneficial to track designed trajectory during drilling process. The proposed method meets the requirements of on-site construction accuracy and ensures the safety and stability of drilling.

Evaluating wheat genotypes x residue management interaction and its implications on yield

Evaluating wheat genotypes x residue management interaction and its implications on yield

Combining predictive soil mapping and process models to estimate future carbon sequestration potential under no-till

There is increasing interest in soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration as a climate change mitigation strategy. There is a need to estimate the quantity of SOC sequestered historically due to no-till, and the remaining sequestration potential in Saskatchewan. To answer this question, predictive soil mapping results were linked with the Century model to predict SOC stock change over time to a depth of 20 cm considering three different future climate change scenarios. Climate scenarios included low, moderate, and high amounts of climate change and included estimated changes to monthly minimum, average, and maximum temperature, total monthly precipitation, and average monthly relative humidity at an 800 m × 800 m resolution. Historically, the modelled average SOC gain for Saskatchewan was 2.8 Mg ha−1. Future potential simulated SOC was lower over the next 30 years, with average SOC gains estimated to range from 1.4 to 1.7 Mg ha−1 by 2054 and 2.3 to 3.1 Mg ha−1 by 2100. There is also unequal spatial distribution of SOC stock gain potential, with the northern grain growing regions showing lower future potential. The predicted future gains will be at a lower rate than in the past with carbon sequestration rates dropping from 0.06 to less than 0.02 Mg ha−1 year−1. Additional management practices such as improved residue management and the introduction of crop varieties with increased below ground carbon inputs and more stable residues should be explored to offset the diminishing SOC returns from no-till.

Survey on farmers preferences and awareness on crop residue management in Jagtial district of Telangana

Survey on farmers preferences and awareness on crop residue management in Jagtial district of Telangana

A decade of conservation agriculture in intensive cereal systems: Transitioning to soil resilience and stable yield trends in a climate crisis

Climate change jeopardizes the food security gains achieved in India since the Green Revolution, especially by impacting the productivity of the rice-wheat system in the Indo-Gangetic Plain, a region that serves as the ‘breadbasket’ of South Asia. In this study, we characterized the potential of long-term conservation agriculture (CA) based management practices (i.e., no-tillage, residue retention, and diversified rotations) to stabilize and enhance crop yields in Northwest India. The study consisted of six different production scenarios (Sc) namely Sc I: conventional rice-wheat system; Sc II: partial CA-puddled transplanted rice-zero till wheat-zero till mung bean (TPR-ZTWMb); Sc III: CA-based zero-till direct seeded rice-zero till wheat-zero till mung bean (ZTDSR-ZTWMb); Sc IV: CA-based zero till maize-zero till wheat-zero till mung bean (ZTM-ZTWMb); Sc V: Sc III + subsurface drip irrigation (SSDI); and Sc VI: Sc IV + SSDI. Long-term yield analysis indicated that the CA-based maize-wheat-mung bean system with SSDI (Sc VI) produced approximately 12%, 27% and 35% higher rice equivalent yield (REY), wheat yield and overall system yield, respectively, over to Sc I. Our study examines Wricke's ecovalence index (Wi2) and the sustainability yield index (SYI) to gauge long-term yield stability and sustainability. Consistently higher wheat yields with lower Wi2 and higher SYI were recorded in CA-based scenarios (Sc V: Wi2 = 0.82, SYI = 0.81; Sc VI: Wi2 = 0.85 and SYI = 0.82). CA-based scenarios also demonstrated stable REY over time. The soil physical properties were influenced by CA systems and compared to Sc I, bulk density was −5.89% in Sc V, followed by −3.62% in Sc III and −1.73% in Sc VI. Moreover, CA systems, Sc IV, Sc VI, and Sc V exhibited positive responses by +106%, +99 % and +72%, respectively for water infiltration rates. Overall, soil organic carbon was +83% and +69% with Sc VI and Sc V, respectively than in Sc I. By substantially enhancing soil health and crop productivity, as well as boosting resilience, CA emerges as a promising solution for meeting the increasing food demand in Northwest India and beyond.

Technology and equipment for pulling stuck drilling tool in horizontal directional drilling

Technology and equipment for pulling stuck drilling tool in horizontal directional drilling

Conservation Agriculture offers system optimization for legume intensification: An on-farm study of western Indo-Gangetic Plains

ContextThe crop production in Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP) facing serious challenges of decaling factor productivity under changing climatic scenarios with shrinking water resources driving future food insecurity. ObjectiveTo develop sustainable intensification model for future sustainability in the food basket of India’s IGP by identifying of suitable options for legume integration through system optimization practices (SOP) in rice-wheat and diversified cropping systems having higher productivity, profitability and environmental security. MethodThe field experiments were conducted at the four locations of the farmer’s field in Karnal, Haryana, India. We evaluated SOP of mungbean under zero tillage (ZT) with residue recycling and improved management practices integrated in CTR-WMb (conventional till rice-ZT wheat-mungbean), DSR-WMb (direct seeded rice-ZT wheat-mungbean) and triple ZT (raised bed) based diversified SOP of MWMb (maize-wheat-mungbean), MMuMb (maize-mustard-mungbean) and SWMb (soybean-wheat-mungbean). Results and conclusionThe on-farm study revealed that the mungbean inclusion with diversified SOP had significantly lesser water use by 51 ha-mm with enhanced partial factor productivity of total nitrogen and phosphorus (NP) applied by 14–29 % over DSR-WMb. However, the global warming potential (GWP) reduced by 60 kg CO2 eql/ha with diversified SOP over CTR-WMb. Similarly, the non-renewable energy use was reduced by ∼1200 MJ/ha with significantly increased net energy output and non-renewable energy use efficiency (EUE) by 137–203 and 27–38 %, respectively with diversified SOP over DSR-WMb. Additionally, the mungbean grain yield increased by 13 % in CTR-WMb, while the grain yield increased by 15–30 % in diversified SOP over DSR-WMb. The net returns increased by 40 USD/ha in CTR-WMb, while it significantly increased by 80–164 USD/ha in diversified SOP over DSR-WMb. However, the significantly lowest yield attributes and yield, net returns, resources use efficiency (water, nutrients and non-renewable energy) and eco-efficiency were recorded with DSR-WMb. Therefore, the mungbean inclusion in DSR-WMb was not found to be a feasible option compared to CTR-WMb and thus later can be scaled up in the existing rice-wheat system. Moreover, the mungbean inclusion with diversified SOP (MWMb/MMuMb/SWM) under ZT and residue retention produces more food with efficient use of recourses (water, nutrients and energy) for more (population) to ensure nutritional food security and environmental sustainability in western Indo-Gangetic Plains and similar agro-ecologies. SignificanceThis on-farm study provides sustainable intensification options for legume integration through system optimization practices (SOP) within the rice-wheat and diversified cropping systems to enhance system productivity and nutritional food security, improves net returns and restore soil fertility in food basket of India’s Indo-Gangetic Plain.

Assessing the impact of rice-wheat-maize residue decomposition rate and nutrient dynamics of residue and soil using different placement method in the IGP of India

The rice-wheat cropping system (RWCS) provides the world’s population with staple foods, and it is crucial to maintain global food demand and security. Food systems are a complex ecosystem and sustain many feedback mechanisms. Crop residue management is one of those feedback mechanisms that was assessed under conservation agriculture, and a decomposition study was analyzed for the rice-wheat cropping system using rice, wheat, and maize crop residue for decomposition rate and nutrients release under agricultural practices (zero till, raised beds). Different zero tillage techniques in Samastipur demonstrated an accelerated decomposition trend, which was especially noticeable in the straw from wheat and rice. At the same time, permanent bed systems showed a relatively larger residue mass, especially in the case of wheat and maize straw. Permanent bed systems (wheat-maize system), particularly those using wheat straw, held the largest amounts of residue mass when the total residue mass throughout the sites was taken into account. Samastipur showed higher nutrient release for all the rice residue in wheat, rice residue in maize, and wheat residue in rice except maize residue in rice as compared to the Karnal sites. Decomposition kinetics, modeled via a first-order exponential decay function, showed high correlations (R2: 0.941 to 0.996) across treatment methods. The research underscores the significant effect of agroecological factors on residue decomposition and nutrient release, irrespective of residue type, highlighting the importance of tailored residue management practices for enhanced nutrient cycling and sustainability. These findings contribute to the optimization of residue management strategies in RWCS, promoting sustainable agriculture practices in the face of climate change and increasing food security demands.

Impact of No Tillage and Low Emission N Fertilization on Durum Wheat Sustainability, Profitability and Quality

Mitigation practices for cereal systems, including conservation agriculture and low emission fertilization, are required to face global challenges of food security and climate change. The combination of these climate-smart approaches was investigated for durum wheat in a dry region of the Mediterranean basin in two crop seasons. The experimental design consisted in two different genotypes, Marco Aurelio (high protein content) and Saragolla (higher adaptability), subjected to no tillage (NT) vs. conventional tillage (CT) and to two fertilization strategies (standard vs. low emission plus an unfertilized control). Different environmental and economic sustainability parameters as well as two different technological and nutritional quality traits were evaluated. Saragolla showed a better environmental adaptability and a higher nitrogen use efficiency, evaluated as partial nutrient balance (+27%), and was associated with a lower protein content (14.5% vs. 15.6%). NT was associated with an improvement in yield (+15%) and quality, i.e., micronutrients (Fe, Zn) and antioxidant capacity (+15%), in the drier crop year. Low emission fertilization did not reduce crop performance and its combination with NT showed a higher economic net return. The combination of the two mitigation practices improved not only environmental and economic sustainability but also the health quality of durum wheat under water limited conditions.

Geomagnetic support for directional drilling

The high-tech directional drilling (DD) procedure for the development of hydrocarbon resources requires high precision positioning of the drill string. Such accuracy can be achieved by navigation based on the Earth’s magnetic field (EMF), which ensures hitting a given target with an error of 3 m at a distance of 15 km. However, the EMF is characterized by multi-scale variability both in space and time. Therefore, the full stack of DD geomagnetic support includes a detailed, real-time estimation of the EMF spatio-temporal variability in the deposit region and geomagnetic activity forecast. Particularly strict control of a drill string orientation is required when drilling in the Arctic region. The article is devoted to modern technologies for effective accounting of the features of the EMF space-time structure to ensure precise navigation of the drill string. The paper is based on the report delivered at the RAS Presidium meeting on 11 June 2024.

Conservation Agriculture Boosts Soil Health, Wheat Yield, and Nitrogen Use Efficiency After Two Decades of Practice in Semi-Arid Tunisia

Conservation Agriculture Boosts Soil Health, Wheat Yield, and Nitrogen Use Efficiency After Two Decades of Practice in Semi-Arid Tunisia

Residue and Irrigation Management for Optimizing Productivity and Profitability of Wheat in Ambala (Haryana)

Background: The rice-wheat cropping system in Haryana, Western Uttar Pradesh and Punjab faces sustainability risks due to soil fertility depletion, rising cultivation costs and environmental pollution hazards because of the large-scale burning of rice crop residues. Two-year field experiments investigated wheat sowing techniques by keeping rice crop residues under various irrigation schedules to optimize production and economic outcomes in Ambala, Haryana. Three sowing methods, i.e., conventional sowing (CS), Happy Seeder (HS) and Super Seeder (SS) and four irrigations scheduling, i.e., scheduling at critical growth stages (IS1), IW/CPE ratio 0.9 with first irrigation at CRI (IS2), IW/CPE ratio for whole crop season (IS3) and depletion of 50% available soil moisture (IS4). Methods: Happy Seeder sown wheat exhibited a significantly higher average yield of 58.38 q ha-1 than conventional (57.69 q ha-1) and Super seeder (56.85 q ha-1) sown wheat. Overall, Happy Seeder and irrigation schedule (IS3) produces the highest grain yield of 65.23, 63.56 and 64.40 q ha-1 in the first, second year and pooled year results. In conventional sowing of wheat, the average total cultivation cost was 107134.02 and 110907.71 Rs ha-1, which was less in Happy Seeder sown wheat, i.e., 99077.07 and 102932.27 Rs. ha-1 respectively, in the year 2021-22 and 2022-23. Result: The average benefit-cost ratio (BCR) for the happy seeder technique, 1.42 and 1.44, outperforms the conventional sowing wheat approach during both years of experiments. The recent wheat sowing using happy seeder under residue mulching conditions, must adopt modified irrigation scheduling practices to enhance yield and profitability, contributing to sustainable agricultural practices. The study highlights the potential of recent agricultural practices to boost farmer income, promote sustainable agricultural growth and environment conservation.

Assessing Weed Canopy Cover in No-Till and Conventional Tillage Plots in Winter Wheat Production Using Drone Data

Weed canopy cover assessment, particularly using drone-acquired data, plays a vital role in precision agriculture by providing accurate, timely, and spatially detailed information, enhancing weed management decision-making in response to environmental and management variables. Despite the significance of this approach, few studies have investigated weed canopy cover through drone-based imagery. This study aimed to fill this gap by evaluating the effects of conventional tillage (CT) and no-till (NT) practices on weed canopy cover in a winter wheat field over two growing seasons. Results indicated that in the 2022–2023 season, weed populations were similar between tillage systems, with a high mean weed cover of 1.448 cm2 ± 0.241 in CT plots. In contrast, during the 2023–2024 season, NT plots exhibited a substantially higher mean weed cover (1.784 cm2 ± 0.167), with a significant overall variation (p < 0.05) in weed distribution between CT and NT plots. These differences suggest that, while CT practices initially mask weed emergence by burying seeds and disrupting root systems, NT practices encourage greater weed establishment over time by leaving seeds near the soil surface. These findings provide valuable insights for optimizing weed management practices, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive approaches to improve weed control and overall crop productivity.

Corn grain yield, residue production, and nutrient concentration and extraction is affected by different residue incorporation rates in two biannual crop rotations

Abstract Conservation practices in agriculture using crop rotations and residue management benefit the productivity; these can vary depending on climate and soil conditions, crops, and amount of incorporated residue. The present study evaluated the effect of two biannual rotations; canola (Brassica napus L.) – corn (Zea mays L.) and bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) – corn rotations with four residue incorporation rates (0%, 50%, 100%, and 200%) of the preceding crop on corn grain yield, residue production, and nutrient concentration and extraction after two rotation cycles in a volcanic soil of moderate depth in south-central Chile. Grain yield varied between 17.04 and 17.40 Mg/ha, residue production between 16.41 and 16.50 Mg/ha. The preceding crop affected concentration and extraction of some nutrients in both grain and residue. The residue rate affected both concentration and extraction of some nutrients only in the grain. The Ca distribution to the corn grain was negatively affected by both the preceding bean crop and increasing residue incorporation rate. The ranking of total macronutrient extraction in the corn crop was K > N > Ca > P > Mg > S. The extraction means ranged from 320 to 326, 56.0 to 57.1, 365 to 374, 86.5 to 99.3, 39.4 to 42.4, and 22.6 to 23.7 kg/ha, whereas grain nutrient distribution coefficients ranged from 64.5 to 66.8, 90.1 to 90.9, 23.1 to 23.7, 1.3 to 2.0, 50.8 to 57.5, and 60.3 to 60.6 for N, P, K, Ca, Mg and S, respectively.

Climate Smart Agriculture: Innovating Sustainable Practices for a Changing Climate

Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) is a strategy aimed at lowering greenhouse gas emissions, strengthen climate change resilience, raising crop production and incomes significantly. In a variety of agro-ecological zones, the implementation of climate smart agriculture methods has significantly improved the availability of food, adaptability to fluctuations in the climate, and emissions reduction. One of the key benefits of CSA is its ability to improve agricultural productivity and stabilize food security, particularly for small-scale farmers in developing nations who are most vulnerable to climate change. By integrating sustainable techniques such as conservation agriculture, crop diversification, and agroforestry, CSA helps ensure stable yields, even amid erratic weather patterns. Enhanced soil fertility, enhanced irrigation practices and the use of varieties of crops that are climate resilient all contribute to sustained productivity, mitigating the risks of crop failure and food shortages. CSA also strengthens agricultural systems' resilience to climate impacts by promoting practices like zero tillage, residue management, and efficient irrigation, which improve soil health and water retention, making crops more resistant to droughts and floods. In addition to boosting resilience, CSA contributes to climate change mitigation by reducing agriculture's carbon footprint. Precision farming, organic agriculture, and other low-emission practices help curb greenhouse gas emissions from farming activities. Mobile technology is also emerging as a key driver of CSA by providing real-time information, decision-making support, and access to essential resources, further enhancing the adaptability and sustainability of farming systems. The significance of CSA as a strategic solution to the threats that climate change poses to food security and agricultural sustainability is being more widely acknowledged by governments. As a result, numerous initiatives have been launched at national, regional, and international levels to encourage the widespread adoption of CSA practices. In order to achieve sustainable agricultural development and ensure food security in the face of climate change, CSA must be scaled up around the world.

Rice residue management alternatives and nitrogen optimization: impact on wheat productivity, microbial dynamics, and enzymatic activities

In response to the degraded soil health and lack of improvement in the yield of rice–wheat cropping systems in South Asia’s Indo-Gangetic Plains, an experiment was formulated in a split-plot design. Four rice residue management practices were the primary factor, alongside two nitrogen levels (150 and 180 kg/ha) and two nitrogen split levels (two and three splits) as sub-treatments. The findings revealed a notable increase in soil organic carbon (SOC), microbial count, and enzymatic activity in plots subjected to conservation tillage and residue treatment compared to those in plots subjected to partial residue (anchored stubbles) and conventional methods (residue incorporated with chopping). The collective analysis demonstrated a significant influence of rice residue management practices and nitrogen application levels on wheat yield attributes and productivity. Specifically, zero tillage with full residue (unchopped) in wheat exhibited a 5.23% increase in grain yield compared to conventional tillage with full residue (chopped), concurrently boosting the soil microbial count by 19.80–25%, the diazotrophic count by 29.43–31.6%, and the actinomycete count by 20.15–32.99% compared with conventional tillage. Moreover, applying nitrogen in three splits (at sowing, before the 1st irrigation, and after the 1st irrigation) led to a 6.25% increase in grain yield than that in two splits (at sowing and after the 1st irrigation), significantly impacting wheat productivity in the soil. Furthermore, the zero tillage-happy seeder with full residue elevated dehydrogenase activity from 77.94 to 88.32 μg TPF/g soil/24 h during the study year, surpassing that in the conventional plot. This increase in enzymatic activity was paralleled by a robust positive correlation between the microbial population and enzymatic activity across various residue retention practices. In conclusion, the results underscore the efficacy of crop residue retention following conservation tillage, in tandem with nitrogen optimization and scheduling, in enhancing wheat yield within the rice–wheat cropping system.

ASSESSMENT OF SMALL HOLDERS FARMERS' ADOPTION OF CLIMATE-SMART AGRICULTURE PRACTICES IN BORNO STATE, NIGERIA

The study assessed smallholder farmers’ adoption of Climate-Smart Agriculture practices in Borno State, Nigeria. Identified socio-economic characteristics of the respondents, assessed the respondents’ adoption of climate-smart agriculture practices and investigated the constraint by respondents in adopting climate-smart agriculture practices. Both primary and secondary sources were used. Multi-stage sampling procedure was employed to select 200 respondents as the sample size. Descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentages, mean, standard deviation and likert type scale were used. The findings indicated that, majority (67.5%) of the respondents were within the prime working age of 20-49 years with a mean age of 43 years. Majority (75.5%) were male, 63.5% married with 43.0% had 7-9 persons per household. However, more than half (56%) of the respondents had no formal education, and 56% earn less than 50,000 Naira annually. The study also found that 58% had more than 10 years of farming experience, but only 30% were members of association. Conservation agriculture practices such as reduced tillage, crop residue management, and crop rotation/intercropping were rated 1st with the highest (x = 4.29) implying strong agreement to adoption of conservation agriculture practices. The climate smart agricultural practices highly adopted by the respondents include; water retention and erosion control technique (89%) and efficient fertilizer application technique (79.5%), moderately adopted practices; home garden (63%) and compost making/green manuring (58%), whereas least adopted practices; early warning system (20.0%) and use of more efficient cooking stove (17%). The most severe constraint identified include lack of awareness and limited information about climate smart agriculture practices (x=1.87), as well as limited access to credit (x=1.80). High cost of labor for climate smart agriculture and policy inconsistencies (x=1.32, 1.44) were identified as not severe constraint compared to others. The study recommended that Extension agents and Research institute should create more awareness on impact of adopting Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) practices and improve easy accessibility to weather and climate information through provision of mobile-based platforms or community radio broadcasts that deliver timely and relevant information.

Optimization of Briquetting Process Parameters for Rice Straw Biofuels

The optimization of briquetting process parameters for producing biofuels from rice straw, a widely available agricultural waste. By systematically varying key parameters such as pressure, temperature, and moisture content, we aimed to enhance the physical and thermal properties of the briquettes. Through experimental design and statistical analysis, we identified optimal conditions to maximize briquette density and calorific value while minimizing ash content. The findings show that optimized briquetting greatly enhances the efficiency and potential of rice straw as a renewable energy source, providing a sustainable alternative to traditional fuels. This research contributes to advancing biofuel production technologies and promoting the utilization of agricultural waste for energy generation. Briquetting technology has great potential to transform waste biomass in affordable, effective and environmentally safe, high-quality solid fuel for households and industry use. This study focuses on optimizing the briquetting process for rice straw to enhance its quality as a biofuel. Key parameters, including compaction pressure, moisture content, binding agent type, and particle size, were systematically varied to improve density, durability, hardness, calorific value, and reduce ash content. Results indicate significant improvements in briquette performance, with calorific values increasing to 17.5 MJ/kg and ash content reducing to 4%. Optimized briquettes offer enhanced mechanical strength and combustion efficiency, positioning rice straw briquettes as a viable, eco-friendly alternative to traditional fossil fuels, contributing to sustainable energy and agricultural residue management.