Rice Crop Residues Research Articles

Mechanical, thermal and biodegradation studies of highly degradable composite films of pectin/guar gum/ polyvinylpyrrolidone with rice crop residues: a future vision of packaging and mulch films

ABSTRACT In the present work, eco-friendly composites were fabricated using pectin/guar gum/ polyvinylpyrrolidone blend as matrix and agriculture waste like rice husk and rice straw as reinforcements. Rice husk and rice straw are treated with an alkali solution and then incorporated into the matrix by solvent casting method. The amount of rice husk/rice straw varied from 5% to 15% of the total polymer content. The interaction between polymers and reinforcements is studied by FTIR which shows the presence of hydrogen bonding among the components. SEM images were used to confirm the homogeneous distribution of rice husk/rice straw in the composite films. Thermogravimetry analysis of the composites and the control (blend) film shows that there is an improvement in thermal degradation stability upon the incorporation of reinforcements. The tensile strength of composites is also augmented when compared with the control film (24.61 MPa) and the composite with 10% rice husk has a maximum (29.41 MPa) tensile strength. The biodegradation study of the composite films is performed by the soil burial method.

Utilization of rice crop residue to fortify biogas production with mitigation of aerosols for sustainable environment: mechanism, potential strategies, and opportunities

Utilization of rice crop residue to fortify biogas production with mitigation of aerosols for sustainable environment: mechanism, potential strategies, and opportunities

Rice crop residue management by the microbial consortium for rapid decomposition of straw.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-024-03982-z.

Renewing the potential of rice crop residues as value-added products in the cosmetics industry

Purpose of this study is to explore the extraction of potentially valuable cosmetic ingredients from rice crop residues, aiming to mitigate their environmental impact. MethodsWe employed AOAC methods to analyze the fat, protein, ash, fiber, soluble, and insoluble carbohydrate content in these residues. To identify sugars rich in galactose and acidic sugars, a total soluble carbohydrate extraction was performed. Cellulose, as part of the insoluble carbohydrates, was isolated through alkaline and acid hydrolysis, while sodium silicate was derived from the ash. Characterization of insoluble cellulose and silicate involved techniques like FTIR, DSC, PXRD, microphotography, porosity assessments, and water absorption studies. For proteins, alkaline solubilization and precipitation at the isoelectric point were utilized, with quantification via BCA and amino acid profiling through gas chromatography. Evaluation of radical scavenging capacity using DPPH led to the calculation of apparent molecular weight via SDS-PAGE. ResultsThe results revealed low levels of gum, mucilage, and pectin in both residues, contrasting with a high concentration of insoluble polysaccharides. Among these, Iβ cellulose displayed potential attributes for cosmetic applications due to its oil and water adsorption characteristics. However, silicates obtained from the ashes did not exhibit direct use potential. In terms of protein extraction, we observed antioxidant properties, with enhanced performance through enzymatic hydrolysis, achieving a hydrolysis degree of 30.41% and a DPPH radical absorption rate exceeding 70%. ConclusionRice residues, particularly husk and straw, shown valuable substances suitable for potential cosmetic applications, encompassing cellulose, hydrolyzed proteins, and ash as a silicate precursor.

Comparative Analysis of Air Quality Index in Relation to Crop Residue Burning and Industrial Pollution in Punjab

The stubble burning is considered as the major air pollution contributor during the month of October and November, in Northern parts of India. Due to the fact that it corresponds with the burning seasons, the terrible haze seen over India in the winter has been connected to stubble burning (October-November). The situation is more critical in Punjab as the farmers have adopted extensive Rice-Wheat cropping system which leads to accumulation of stubble at large scale. The major gaseous pollutants generated due to stubble burning and industrial pollution are carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NO2), sulfur oxides (SO2), and methane (CH4) as well as particulate matters (PM10 and PM2.5) causing serious issues to human health and the environment. Present study was planned to determine the impact of stubble burning on air quality parameter among industrial, moderately industrial and non-industrial area. It was reported that concentrations of particulate matters PM2.5 and PM10 in air was increasing with increasing in burning events in all the districts studied. Whereas increasing trend of NH3 and NO2 concentration in Ludhiana and NH3 in Bathinda district may be due the impact of crop residue burning along with industrial pollution. If managed properly, crop stubbles might offer farmers significant economic rewards and safeguard the environment from serious contamination. Present results showed that burning of rice crop residue significantly contributes to air pollution in Punjab.

Trans-boundary spatio-temporal analysis of Sentinel 5P tropospheric nitrogen dioxide and total carbon monoxide columns over Punjab and Haryana Regions with COVID-19 lockdown impact.

This study conducts a spatio-temporal analysis of tropospheric nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and total carbon monoxide (CO) concentrations in the Punjab and Haryana regions of India and Pakistan, using datasets from the Sentinel 5-Precursor (S5P) satellite. These regions, marked by diverse economic growth factors including population expansion, power generation, transportation, and agricultural practices, face similar challenges in atmospheric pollution, particularly evident in major urban centers like Delhi and Lahore, identified as pollution hotspots. The study also spotlights pollution associated with power plants. In urban areas, tropospheric NO2 levels are predominantly elevated due to vehicular emissions, whereas residential activities mainly contribute to CO pollution. However, precisely attributing urban CO sources is complex due to its longer atmospheric residence time and intricate circulation patterns. Notably, the burning of rice crop residue in November significantly exacerbates winter pollution episodes and smog, showing a more pronounced correlation with total CO than with tropospheric NO2 levels. The temporal analysis indicates that the months from October to December witness peak pollution, contrasted with the relatively cleaner period during the monsoon months of July to September. The severe pollution in the OND quarter is attributed to factors such as variations in boundary layer height and depletion of OH radicals. Furthermore, the study highlights the positive impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on air quality, with a significant decrease in NO2 concentrations during April, 2020 (Delhi: 59%, Lahore: 58%). However, the reduction in total CO columns was less significant. The study also correlates lockdown stringency with tropospheric NO2 columns (R2: 0.37 for Delhi, 0.25 for Lahore, 0.22 for Rawalpindi/Islamabad), acknowledging the influence of various meteorological and atmospheric variables. The research highlights the significant impact of crop residue burning on winter pollution levels, particularly on total CO concentrations. The study also shows the notable effect of the COVID-19 lockdown on air quality, significantly reducing NO2 levels. Additionally, it explores the correlation between lockdown stringency and tropospheric NO2 columns, considering various meteorological factors.

Typologie des systemes de productions du bovin de race djelli (Bos taurus indicus) dans les communes de Gotheye, Sinder et Say au Niger

The development of Djelli cattle breeding in Niger remains a challenge due to prejudices about its productivity. The particularities of its production systems have not been sufficiently developed. The aim of this study is to develop a typology of local Djelli cattle production systems in six localities in the communes of Gothèye, Sinder and Say in Niger. A survey was carried out among 150 breeders. Discriminant factor analysis (DFA) and hierarchical ascending classification (HAC) were used to identify three types of production system: The first type is made up of transhumant herders whose main activity is livestock rearing and who belong to the Peulh ethnic group. This type is characterized by large herds (27 head). They have 3 breeding cows and 4 suckling cows for 16 breeding females. The second type is made up of sedentary breeders. Their main activities are fishing and trading, and they belong to the Sonrai socio-cultural ethnic group. Their herds are modest (17 head), comprising 2 breeding and 5 suckling cows for 11 breeding females. The third type is made up of semi-transhumant herders. Their main activity is farming, and they belong to the Sonrai socio-cultural ethnic group, with an equally modest herd size (18 head). The number of breeding cows is similar to that of the sedentary herders (2 head). However, the number of sucklers is reduced to 3 head for 10 breeding females. The daily intake of bran concentrate per suckling female is the highest (5 kg of bran concentrate per day). The ratio of lactating females to females of breeding age was r =0.45 in the sedentary group, compared with r =0.30 in the semi-transhumant group and r = 0.25 in the transhumant group. The results also showed that the rearing environment is dominated by a diet of rice straw (39%) and rice bran (49%). The most frequently vaccinated disease on the farms was pasteurellosis (87.3%), and the highest deworming rate was 40%. The environment also revealed a variation in lactating females for the riparian localities of Say and Yelwani (5.4±2.6b and 6.0±2.8b respectively), which are very significantly different (P<0.001) from the non-riparian localities of Koulbaga and Tassikoirey (2.9±1.2a and 2.8±1.20a respectively). In conclusion, sedentary farmers are the most productive in a food environment dominated by rice crop residues and diseases such as pasteurellosis and endoparasites. Key words : Production systems, herd size, sedentary breeders, lactating female

Rice residue management alternatives in rice–wheat cropping system: impact on wheat productivity, soil organic carbon, water and microbial dynamics

In the Indo-Gangetic Plains (IGP), rice–wheat cropping system (RWCS) predominates, producing large quantity of crop residue and its management is major concern. Farmers usually burn the residue to clear the field for succeding crop, and burning damages soil microbes, resulted in loss of soil organic matter. Hence, current study was conducted to assess the impact of different Happy seeder based residue management options on changes in microbial dynamics, enzyme activities and soil organic matter content and also to know that alternative method for attaining sustainable wheat productivity in sandy loam soils of Haryana, India. Results revealed that Zero tillage wheat (ZTW) with partial and full residue retention treatments sown with Happy seeder (after using chopper and spreader), and ZTW with anchored stubbles significantly enhanced soil microbial count by 47.9–60.4%, diazotropic count by 59.0–73.1% and actinomycetes count by 47.3–55.2%, grain yield by 9.8–11.3% and biomass yield by 7.4–9.6% over conventional tilled (CT) residue burning and residue removal plots. ZTW sown with surface retention of rice crop residue increased the organic carbon by 0.36–0.42% and the soil moisture content by 13.4–23.6% over CTW without residue load. Similarly, ZTW sown with Happy seeder with full residue enhanced alkaline phosphatase activity from 95.3 µg TPF g−1 soil 24 h−1 in 2018–2019 to 98.6 µg TPF g−1 soil 24 h−1 in 2019–2020 over control plots. Likely, microbial population and enzymatic activity showed strong positive correlation under variable residue retention practices. However, increased microbial population reduced the soil pH from 7.49 to 7.27 under ZTW with residue retention plots. The wheat yield enhanced by 9.8–11.3% during 2018–2019 and 2019–2020 under ZTW with Happy seeder with full residue load over residue burning and residue removal plots. ZTW sown with Happy seeder under full residue retention, achieved maximum net return 43.16–57.08 × 103 ₹ ha−1) and B-C ratio (1.52 to 1.70) over CTW without residue. Therefore, rice residue needs to be managed by planting wheat using appropriate machinery under ZT for sustaining higher productivity in RWCS and improve soil health and environment under IGP regions.

Utilization of Crop Residues and Solubilizing Bacteria to Enhance the Dissolution of Moroccan Phosphate Rock

Phosphorus is essential for plant growth, but its availability in soils is limited due to low solubility of phosphate compounds. This study evaluated the combined effects of crop residues (CR) and phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) on the dissolution of Moroccan phosphate rock. Pot experiments were conducted for 60 days using different doses of MPR (450 kg/ha, 300 kg/ha, and 150 kg/ha), rice and maize crop residues, and a PSB consortium from a rice paddy field. Parameters such as pH, bacterial count, and phosphorus content were measured. The pH increase was significantly higher under the T3 treatment (CR + PSB) with pH 8.26 to 8.58, followed by T1 (CR alone) with pH 7.73 to 8.1, T2 (PSB alone) with pH 7.4 to 7.91, and T0 (control) with pH 7.27 to 7.67. The number of PSB was highest under the T3 treatment (1238.5 x 10-6 to 2081.1 x 10-6 bacteria/g dry matter), followed by T1 (127.2 x 10-6 to 249.03 x 10-6 bacteria/g dry matter) and T2 with 1.7 x 10-6 to 44.6 x 10-6 bacteria/g dry matter, regardless of the MPR dose. Phosphorus solubilization was 35% to 62% with PSB alone (T2), 72% to 88.5% with CR alone (T1), and over 83.98% when both CR and PSB were combined (T3). This increase was more pronounced with higher MPR doses (300 to 450 kg/ha). Incorporating PSB and crop residues as biofertilizers is a viable strategy for enhancing phosphate rock dissolution and improving soil fertility in agricultural systems.

The fate of rice crop residues and context-dependent greenhouse gas emissions: Model-based insights from Eastern India

Crop residue burning is a common practice in many parts of the world that causes air pollution and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Regenerative practices that return residues to the soil offer a ‘no burn’ pathway for addressing air pollution while building soil organic carbon (SOC). Nevertheless, GHG emissions in rice-based agricultural systems are complex and difficult to anticipate, particularly in production contexts with highly variable hydrologic conditions.Here we predict long-term net GHG fluxes for four rice residue management strategies in the context of rice-wheat cropping systems in Eastern India: burning, soil incorporation, livestock fodder, and biochar. Estimations were based on a combination of Tier 1, 2, and 3 modelling approaches, including 100-year DNDC simulations across three representative soil hydrologic categories (i.e., dry, median, and wet).Overall, residue burning resulted in total direct GHG fluxes of 2.5, 6.1, and 8.7 Mg CO2-e in the dry, median, and wet hydrologic categories, respectively. Relative to emissions from burning (positive values indicate an increase) for the same dry to wet hydrologic categories, soil incorporation resulted in a −0.2, 1.8, or 3.1 Mg CO2-e change in emissions whereas use of residues for livestock fodder increased emissions by 2.0, 2.1, or 2.3 Mg CO2-e. Biochar reduced emissions relative to burning by 2.9 Mg CO2-e in all hydrologic categories. This study showed that the production environment has a controlling effect on methane and, therefore, net GHG balance. For example, wetter sites had 2.8–4.0 times greater CH4 emissions, on average, than dry sites when rice residues were returned to the soil. To effectively mitigate burning without undermining climate change mitigation goals, our results suggest that geographically-target approaches should be used in the rice-based systems of Eastern India to incentivize the adoption of regenerative ‘no burn’ residue management practices.

Effect of Rice Crop Residue Management Practices and Fertilizer Levels on Nutrient uptake in Rice fallow Maize

Effect of Rice Crop Residue Management Practices and Fertilizer Levels on Nutrient uptake in Rice fallow Maize

COMPARATIVE EFFECT OF INTEGRATED FERTILIZATION APPROACHES ON SOIL HEALTH AND CROP PRODUCTIVITY OF WHEAT (TRITICUM AESTIVUM L.) UNDER DIFFERENT TILLAGE SYSTEMS

The study was conducted at Institute of Soil and Environmental Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan to monitor the impact assessment of tillage systems on soil health indicators by integrating organic and inorganic resources to sustain wheat production in arid and semi-arid conditions i.e. high temperature and low rainfall. The field experiment was conducted in 2019-20 and carried out in alkaline soil (pH 8.2) with low organic matter (0.45%) to grow wheat after rice and treatments were arranged in randomized complete block design. Farmyard manure (FYM 20.5 Mg/ha), rice crop residues application (CRA 100%) and chemical fertilizers (CF) N-P-K 100-80-60 kg/ha, respectively were used under conventional and conservation tillage systems. During this research different growth and yield parameters were noted and evaluated the level of N, P, K and organic matter contents from soil and plant at the harvest. The results indicated that the combined application of FYM and CRA with CF improved the chlorophyll contents (20% in conventional tillage and 39% in conservation tillage) which helped in nutrient translocation (N, P, K) and increased growth, biological and grain yield by improving soil organic carbon (SOC) and organic matter contents in soil. Growth parameter i.e. germination percentage upto 64%, plant height 27% and spike length upto 35% were increased by T7 . The conservation tillage method was the best where we used T7 i.e. CF + 25% FYM + 50% CRA, and CF + 50% FYM + 25% CRA by conserving moisture and built OM (0.90%), soil organic carbon (0.49%) and mineral nutrition in soil as well as in wheat leaves. It is concluded that the integrated use of organic and inorganic resources are helpful for sustainable wheat production by enhancing fertilizer use efficiency (FUE) to improve soil health especially in arid to semi-arid climate conditions in alkaline soil.

Efek Residu Media Tanam dengan Penambahan Kompos Secara Berulang Terhadap Pertumbuhan dan Serapan Hara Nitrogen Tanaman Kailan

This study aims to determine the potential of planting media residues from rice crop residues in the second planting period which were given input of a mixture of kiapu compost and straw with various compositions with the indicator plant used was kailan which belongs to the potential vegetable group and has a fairly high nutritional value. The study used a randomized block design with treatments consisting of 5 compost mixtures and 2 comparison treatments, namely pearl NPK fertilizer treatment and control so the treatment was as follows; M0 : control, M1 : 100% kiapu, M2 : 75% kiapu + 25% rice straw, M3 : 50% kiapu + 50% rice straw, M4 : 25% kiapu + 75% rice straw, M5 : 100% straw and M6 : NPK. The results showed that repeated application of the compost mixture was able to give a positive residual effect so that it could increase growth, yield and N uptake in kailan plants. The increase in plant length due to the addition of repeated compost ranged from 1.96% to 22.79%, leaf area ranged from 11.28% to 75.63% and total plant fresh weight ranged from 28.85% to 59.94%. The treatment with compost significantly increased root N uptake, canopy N uptake and total N uptake compared to control, ranging from 223.67% to 283.36% at root N uptake, 175.03% to 232.47% at canopy N uptake and 194, 43% to 241.63% on the total N uptake of plants.

Identification of Key Adaptation Practices adopted by Wheat Growing Farmers of Punjab, Pakistan: A Qualitative Approach

Climate change has now become a subject of concern for the whole world especially for developing countries. According to Global Climate Risk Index (GCRI) 2021, Pakistan lies at eight number amongst top ten countries of world which are facing severe impacts of climatic changes. Climate change has serious repercussions on the agriculture sector of Pakistan. Mitigation and Adaptation are considered to be options by climate change experts to counter negative impacts of climate change. By keeping above in view, the objective of this study was to identify adaptation practices adopted by farmers in Punjab, Pakistan. The Primary data was used and collected through qualitative data collection techniques i.e. In-Depth Interviews (IDIs) and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs). Based on the research plan, five IDIs were conducted with experts related to agriculture sector and with farmers of study area. Further, five FGDs were conducted in five selected districts of the study area. Based upon discussions with experts and with local farmers, key adaptation practices adopted by majority of farmers were: Rice crop residues incorporation, Change in sowing time, sowing method for wheat crop (Broadcast, Ridge sowing), certified seed varieties of wheat, change of seed rate, deep ploughing using chisel plough, laser land levelling (LLL), application of potash, changing the number of irrigations, application of farm yard manure (FYM), drainage of water from field (pumps or other means) and use of weather forecasting. NVivo qualitative data analysis software was used to depict this qualitative discussion into two types of structures i.e., Word Tree and Word Cloud.

Operating Variables on Production of High Purity Bio-silica from Rice Hull Ash by Extraction Process

The huge amount of rice hull biomass available in Indonesia can be utilized as raw material for bio-silica production. This study investigated the production of high-purity bio-silica from rice hull ash through an alkaline extraction process. A full factorial design (FFD) was used to screen for significant effects of the observed variables. Three operating variables – acid concentration, solvent to feed ratio (RS/F), and extraction time – were investigated with the purpose of obtaining a high yield and high purity of bio-silica. Yield and purity above 96% were achieved by using pretreatment with 1 mol/L HCl. Employing an RS/F of 5 and a longer extraction time improved the bio-silica yield. The operating variable that enhanced the bio-silica yield and purity most was acid concentration. All variable interactions had an insignificant effect on purity, while two interacting variables had a significant effect on bio-silica yield. Based on the results of this study, rice crop residue can be optimally converted to a bio-silica product in terms of yield and purity by optimizing the most effective operating variables.

Challenges and options for rice crop residue management in North-West India

Challenges and options for rice crop residue management in North-West India

A Review on Fog and Smog: Impact, Mode of Action and Remedial Measures under COVID-19 Pandemics

On 11 March 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the coronavirus pandemic: the Sars-Cov-2 virus (COVID-19) is a threat to the population’s health. A positive correlation has been observed between the spread of the virus and air pollution, which is one of the greatest challenges of our millennium. COVID-19 could have an air transmission and atmospheric particulate matter could create a suitable environment for transporting the virus at greater distances than those considered for close contact. Smog is formed when pollutants like nitrogen oxide, carbon monoxide and volatile organic compounds that are released from automobiles, industries and burning of rice crop residues (parali) and fossil fuels interact with sunlight (WHO, 2016). In this context, COVID-19 could also have an airborne transmission and particulate matter (PM 10 and PM 2.5 which is Fine particulates of 2.5 micrometer or 10 micrometer less are also among the pollutants found in smog and haze) could act as a carrier through the aerosol, conveying the virus and increasing its spread. It prove a direct correlation between current high air pollution levels and incidence of COVID-19, high pollution levels might also increase the risk of contracting COVID-19. One of the most pressing and urgent problems is that polluted air can severely endanger human health and life. Individual residents who are affected by smog pollution can often do very little to prevent it, but they can apply adaptive and protective measures to reduce their risk. Elderly and people experiencing any cardiac or respiratory illness are more prone to harmful effects of smog (Sierra Vargas et al., 2012). These measures are minimal exposure to outdoor air but if exposure is inescapable than a facemask should be worn. Those people who are affected with cardio-vascular disease and its allied patients should increase the dosage of medication on their physician’s advice to prevent worsening of disease. Supplements and food containing antioxidants like omega 3 fatty acids when added to diet may help against oxidative stress caused by pollutants (Xing et al., 2016). Therefore, it is crucial to minimize the negative effects of smog by wearing mask and reduced the environmental pollution by adopting eco-friendly products.

In-situ management of paddy stubble through microbial biodegradation

After the harvest of crop, the disposal of the rice stubbles remains a notable area of interest in all the growing areas of rice. The present review paper explores and highlights an effective strategy of decomposing the decomposers of the paddy stubble. Due to the increasing production of rice, there is an increase in rice crop residues and stubbles production. Conventional methods of management of paddy involve burning, surface retention, mulching, bailing, incorporation/amalgamation and direct removal. However, there are certain environmental challenges by using available agricultural implements. Thus, this current study demonstrates strategic management of the paddy crop residue for a sustainable environment. The developed eco-friendly methods will render new dimensions for the application of the post harvested residues. The review paper will be significant for sustainable management of the wastes of the paddy crop and hence strategic decomposition method, which will be beneficial for the society, farmers as well as the environment

Rice Crop Residue burning and alternative measures by India: A Review

Rice Crop Residue burning and alternative measures by India: A Review

A comparative study on rice husk and rice straw as bioresources for production of carbonaceous adsorbent and silica

The conversion of rice crop residues into activated carbon (AC) and nanosilica was performed via an integrated procedure including successive carbonization, K2CO3 activation, and extraction steps. For the first time, rice husk and rice straw were utilized comparatively as the raw materials for parallel AC and silica production, and the main characteristics of the corresponding products were compared. However, AC produced from rice straw at 1000 °C and impregnation ratio of 1.5 showed a larger surface area and total pore volume (2229 m2/g and 1.6 cm3/g) than AC produced from rice husk (1941 m2/g and 1.5 cm3/g); no definite and general conclusion can be made about the superiority of rice straw as the raw material. This is attributed to the close characteristics of the products, the large variety of rice crop residues, and the strong influence of the operating conditions on the properties of products. The rice husk– and rice straw–based activated carbons had no significant difference in their functional groups and chemical characteristics. The amorphous silica nanosize particles (< 50 nm) were obtained from both raw materials; however, the presence of little crystalline phase impurities (potassium chloride) and silica (tridymite and coesite) was also observed. The most important superiority of rice husk to rice straw was its larger silica production yield from the initial biochar (40% compared to 25%).