Straw Content Research Articles

Utilization of Rice Straw Waste in the Manufacture of Edible Film (Study of the Addition of Lignin and Sorbitol)

Rice straw is a very abundant lignocellulose agricultural waste in Indonesia. This waste is generally used as much as 31% for animal feed, 7% for industrial purposes, and 62% burned in rice fields. This burning can cause respiratory disorders such as ARI and cancer. Lignocellulose itself is a polysaccharide consisting of lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose. The lignin content in rice straw can be used for the production of edible film, so as to increase its usefulness and reduce the percentage of incineration of this waste in rice fields. Edible film is a thin layer made from edible materials and laid between food components. The main components constituting edible film are hydrocloids/lipids/composites, fillers, and plasticizers. The use of the addition of a plasticizing agent is to make edible film elastic. The use of this filler is to modify the edible nature of the film you want to produce. Examples of oligomeric substances and fillers are sorbitol and lignin. In this study, sorbitol and lignin materials were added to cellulose biomass materials derived from rice straw. These materials are stirred using a magnetic stirrer at a speed of 400 rpm and a temperature of 65oC for 25 minutes before the mixture is printed on a glass plate. After the edible film is printed and dried, an analysis of tensile strength and degradation of the edible film is carried out. The results showed a decrease in the tensile strength value of edible film with the lowest downward trend in the addition of 3% lignin lignin and 9 ml sorbitol. The results of the % degradation analysis show that the value of % degradation tends to increase without the addition of lignin.

Bioaugmentation on humification during co-composting of corn straw and biogas slurry

In order to increase the nutrients and humic acid (HA) contents of corn straw (CS) derived organic fertilizer and recover resources from biogas slurry (BS) simultaneously, the co-composting of CS and BS was carried out with the addition of biochar and microbial agents including lignocellulose degrading and ammonia assimilating bacteria. The results showed that 1 kg straw could treat 2.5 L BS by recovering nutrients and bio-heat introduced evaporation. The bioaugmentation strengthened both the polyphenol and Maillard humification pathways by promoting the polycondensation of precursors (reducing sugars, polyphenols, and amino acids). HA obtained in the microbial-enhanced group (20.83 g/kg), biochar-enhanced group (19.34 g/kg), and combined-enhanced group (21.66 g/kg) were significantly higher than that in the control group (16.26 g/kg). The bioaugmentation achieved directional humification and reduced the loss of C and N by promoting the CN formation of HA. The humified co-compost had nutrient slow-release effect in agricultural production.

Spring wheat yield under application of growth promoting rhizobacterium in soil contaminated with nickel

Impact of growth promoting rhizobacterium Pseudomonas fluorescens 20 on the yield of spring wheat was studied in pot experiment. Plants were grown up to maturity when agrogray soil was contaminated with Ni as NiCl2·6H2O at a rate of 200 mg Ni/kg of soil against background of applying NPK fertilizers. After harvesting, content of nutrients N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu in grain, straw and roots was determined. N was determined by phenol technique. Resistance of plants to Ni toxicity was found under bacterial inoculation. Application of bacterium eliminated phytotoxicity of heavy metal and provided the same biomass production including grain as in control - in non-inoculated plants non-exposed Ni stress. Resistance of plants inoculated with bacterium to Ni toxicity was due to enhanced growth of root system and increase in content and accumulation of Ni in roots and, as a result this was not accompanied by increase in metal incorporation into aboveground organs. Resistance of plants inoculated with bacterium to Ni toxicity was due to enhanced growth of root system and increase in content and accumulation of Ni in roots. Application of bacterium also improved mineral nutrition of plants - increased nutrient uptake from contaminated soil. Increase in nutrient uptake by yield from contaminated soil as influenced by inoculation with bacterium was due to growth promotion and increase of plant weight in general without significant changes in content of most elements in aboveground organs and roots. Bacterium enhanced phytoextraction of heavy metal (soil cleaning) - increased Ni uptake by aboveground organs without significant changes in its content in grain and straw. Increase in Ni uptake by bacterially inoculated plants occurred without changes of soil medium reaction and was probably due to production of bacterial siderophores.

Effect of Wheat Varieties and Integrated Nutrient Management Practices on Nutrient Content, Uptake and Soil Nutrient Status

Background: A field experiment was conducted during two consecutive Rabi (winter) seasons of 2016-17 and 2017-18 at Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar, Gujarat, India to assess the impact of wheat varieties and integrated nutrient management practices on nutrient content and uptake and soil nutrient status. The soil of the experimental plot was loamy sand in texture, low in organic carbon (0.24%), available nitrogen (159 kg/ha) and Zn (0.41 mg/kg), medium in available phosphorus (38.90 kg/ha) and high in available potash (287 kg/ha). Methods: Experiment was laid out in a Factorial RBD with three replications, consist of four wheat varieties viz. GW 273, GW 322, GW 451 and GW 496 and six integrated nutrient management (INM) practices viz. control, 100% RDF, 100% RDF + Azotobacter + PSB, 75% RDF + Azotobacter + PSB, 75% RDF + Azotobacter + PSB + ZnSO4 and 50% RDF + 25% N through FYM + Azotobacter + PSB + ZnSO4. Result: The pooled results indicated that uptake of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium by grain and straw, grain yield and straw yield were found higher with wheat variety GW 451 as compared to other wheat varieties. Nutrient content in grain and straw was not significantly affected by different wheat varieties. Among nutrient management practices, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium content, uptake, grain yield and straw of wheat were significantly higher under application of 100% RDF + Azotobacter + PSB. Further, result revealed that different wheat varieties did not bring any significant variation in available nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, zinc and organic carbon content in soil. Moreover, highest available nitrogen and phosphorus in soil was recorded with the application of 100% RDF + Azotobacter + PSB. However, significantly higher organic carbon and zinc content in soil was observed under 50% RDF + 25% N through FYM + Azotobacter + PSB +ZnSO4.

Effect of Corn Straw on Hydrogen Production from Lignite

The conversion of lignite to clean energy has won considerable attention and plays an important role in achieving the goal of carbon reduction. The effects of corn straw on hydrogen production from lignite was explored by using lignite as the substrate and corn straw as an exogenous substance. The fermentation mechanism was elucidated through the analysis of total and daily hydrogen production; the concentration of humic acid, benzoic acid, pyruvate, and glucose, as well as pH value. In addition, total solid (TS), and volatile solid (VS) from activated sludge before and after fermentation are examined. The results showed that corn straw could accelerate hydrogen production from lignite with an optimal content of corn straw of 40%. The fermentative hydrogen production with 40% corn straw was up to 186.20 mL, 3.40 times higher than that of the control group. Corn straw effectively improved the concentration of humic acid and benzoic acid, accelerating the anaerobic fermentation of lignite to produce hydrogen. The concentration of pyruvic acid, glucose, pH, and the changes in TS and VS before and after fermentation showed that the group of 40% corn straw had a better promotion effect than other systems for hydrogen production. This provides a new idea for improving hydrogen production through lignite anaerobic fermentation.

Investigation on strength behavior of cemented dredged clay with straw at various curing stages

Dredged clay with high water is difficult to use directly in practical engineering due to its extra-low strength. So, a solidifying treatment is often used to improve its engineering properties. In this study, a number of unconfined compression shear tests were conducted to investigate the strength behavior of cemented dredged clay with straw at different curing stages. For cemented dredged clay cured for a few days, the addition of filamentous straw and powdered straw would enhance its unconfined compressive strength (q u). Then, a decrease in q u is observed for samples with a small straw content as the curing time increases, mainly due to the deterioration of the straw. However, solidified soil amended by granular straw sees its q u decreases with increasing straw content decreasing its compactness and integrity. In addition, the failure strain (ε f) varies mostly within the range of (1.0% and 4.0%) and basically decreases with the increasing curing time and straw content. For the cemented dredged clay used in this research, the straw less than 6 mm with a ratio of sample diameter-to-straw length greater than 6.7 is helpful for improving the early-stage strength behavior when the straw content is less than 8%.

Preparation and Characterization of Cellulose Nanoparticles from Agricultural Wastes and Their Application in Polymer Composites

, Page no - | ABSTRACT | PDF | FULL TEXT | e-PUB Background: The development of innovative eco-sustainable bio-nano-composites materials based on cellulose nanomaterials obtained from agricultural waste such as rapeseed plant straw and polymeric materials with improved properties. At first, cellulose was extracted from rapeseed plant straw and cellulosic and no cellulosic materials were estimated. It was found that the rapeseed plant straw contained about 43.48 wt.% cellulosic materials and 56.52 wt.% no cellulosic materials. It was also found that the rapeseed plant straw content about 34.84 wt.% α- cellulose. Then, nano-cellulose was prepared by acid hydrolysis of α -cellulose obtained from rapeseed plant straw. Poly vinyl acetate (PVAc) was prepared by soap free emulsion polymerization of vinyl monomer. Natural rubber (NR) collected as latex was oxidized by KMnO4. Blends of NR and oxidized NR with PVAc of different compositions such as NR60/PVAc40, NR40/PVAc60, ONR60/PVAc40, ONR40/PVAc60 were prepared by mixing NR latex and PVAc emulsion and followed by drying in an oven at 60°C. Composites of NR60/PVAc40 and ONR60/PVAc40 reinforced nano-cellulose (NC) were also prepared in similar way. The blends and composites were then characterized by FTIR, SEM, and Tensile test (TS). FTIR analysis confirmed the oxidation of NR and shown the variation of the functional groups in the blends and composites compared with the FTIR spectrum of NR, ONR and PVAc. SEM study exhibited that the nano-cellulose were dispersed within NR/PVAc and ONR/PVAc blends matrices with a little agglomeration. The tensile test results showed that the strength in composites was increased due to the reinforcing effect of nano-cellulose (NC). Objectives: The aim of this study is to assess the Preparation and characterization of binary blends of NR and oxidized NR with PVAc. Methods: This is an observational study. The study used to be carried out in the admitted patient’s Department of Applied Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Islamic University, Kushtia-7003, Bangladesh. The duration of the period from Data was entered in MS Excel and Statistical analysis was done using SPSS trial version. Results: This study shows that the according to Constituent, Cellulose was 43.4822%, Alpha-Cellulose were 34.8427% and Cellulose were 8.6395%. And according to Source, Rice Straw were 32.15% %, Sugarcane were 41-43%, Rye Straw were 31.8-42.64%, Corn Stalks were 29.80% and Wheat Straw were 34-40%. Conclusion: Novel eco-friendly bio-nano-composites substances primarily based on renewable and sustainable assets namely natural rubber (NR) and nano-cellulose received from rapeseed plant straw as properly as poly vinyl acetate (PVAc) have been developed. In order to enhance the interfacial interactions amongst the composite factors such as NR, PVAc and NC, oxidation of the NR latex was once carried out by way of KMnO4 before blending mixing with PVAc emulsion and NC suspension.

A novel lignocellulose pretreatment technology by combining KOH, urea peroxide and organosilane to improve glucose yield

Alkali pretreatments are considered as one of the most popular strategies to pretreat lignocellulose due to its high-efficiency, low-cost, high lignine removing and cellulose content. Nevertheless, glucose concentration obtained from lignocellulose by alkali pretrements still can’t meet biorefinery requirements. Thus, a novel strategy to pretreat lignocellulose by combining KOH, UHP (urea peroxide) and organosilane (KOH-UHP-Si pretreatment) was proposed. This novel strategy solved two difficult problems that seriously affected the combined pretreatment of alkali and advanced oxidant, and then the cellulose relative content and glucose yield were increased by about 2.4 times and 9 times compared with the original straw, about 19% and 20% compared with the alkali (KOH) pretreatment, and about 2.2 times and 3.3 times compared with the advanced oxidation (UHP) pretreatment. After optimizing the pretreatment process, cellulose relative content in corn straw reached 81.4%, and the removal rates of lignin and hemicellulose were increased to 97.3% and 88.13%, respectively. In addition, we illustrated the mechanism of KOH-UHP-Si pretreatment, in which KOH plays the major role, the organosilane suspension and UHP play the auxiliary role. When the organosilane reduced mass transfer resistance in the reaction system, KOH and UHP assisted and promote each other mutually. Besides, we also illustrated the mechanism of urea assisting KOH removal of lignin through quantum chemical calculations. Moreover, the substances contained in wastewater produced by the novel technique could be turned into agricultural fertilizers after being processed simply, and there will be zero emission in the whole process. Our results indicate that KOH-UHP-Si pretreatment was a high efficiency low cost and eco-friendly strategy for lignocellulose pretreatment.

PENGARUH MACAM BIOCHAR DAN KONSENTRASI ASAP CAIR TERHADAP PENINGKATAN PRODUKSI TANAMAN PADI (Oryza sativa L.)

In Indonesia, rice (Oryza Sativa L.) has become an important and strategic livelihood. Decreasing soil fertility causes reduced rice production. The use of straw can increase the efficiency of using fertilizers (nitrogen), increase soil fertility through the provision of nutrients in particular (potassium), besides that it can improve the soil. The nutritional content of rice straw is 0.4% Nitrogen, 0.02% Phosphorus, 1.4% Potassium and 5.0% Silicon. This research was conducted in Bulubrangsi Village, Laren District, Lamongan Regency. From February to May 2022. The following research was carried out using the Factorial RAK (Randomized Block Design), which is composed of 2 aspects and each aspect consists of 3 levels. Through these 2 aspects, 9 treatment combinations were obtained and repeated 3 times. The indicators observed in the vegetative phase include: number of leaves and plant height. The indicators observed in the generative phase included: the number of panicles, the fresh weight of the plants, the length of the panicles, the weight of tons per hectare, the weight of 1000 seeds. The data obtained through observation is calculated using analysis of variance using Fisher's test (5% and 1 %) F-test, if there is a significant difference it can be continued using the Least Significant Difference test. The best results in this research were obtained from rice husk biochar and liquid smoke.

Determination of Organic Carbon Content of Corn Stalk: A Casestudy in Laiyuan County, Hebei Province

Organic carbon is an important component of straw, which plays an important role in the hydrothermal conditions, physical and chemical properties of straw. In order to discuss the transformation of corn straw in straw and the influence on straw fertility, this paper selects 6 villages in Laiyuan County, Hebei Province as the study area, and uses straw organic carbon analyzer to determine the organic carbon content of straw samples before and after corn straw treatment in the study area. The results show that: The organic carbon content of corn straw in Laiyuan County is 50.62%~55.01%, with an average of 53.46%. In Laiyuan County, the organic carbon content is high in the northern townships, low in the western townships and low in the southern townships. From the spatial distribution of organic carbon content of straw, the organic carbon content of corn straw in the northern area of Laiyuan County is high, while the organic carbon content in the western area is low. The conversion of corn straw in straw and its effect on straw fertility are related to the type of straw, the amount of straw and the planting method.

Экологические особенности Pinus sylvestris L. и видов рода Populus L. в озеленении Благовещенска (Амурская область)

This study evaluates the efficiency of phosphorus absorption from soil and fertilizers by modern varieties of oats of Tyumen selection. The studies were carried out in field and laboratory conditions. The scheme of the experiment provided for options with the introduction of increasing doses of mineral fertilizers, calculated for the planned yield from 3.0 to 6.0 t / ha. The following doses of fertilizers were applied in the experiment: N60P20; N90P40; N150P60; N200P80 kg/ha of active substance. The option without mineral fertilizers was taken as a control. Varieties of oats were sown: Talisman; Otrada; Foma. During three-year experiments, it was found that the phosphorus content in the grain of the studied varieties of oats is 0.86–1.11%; in straw - 0.26-0.27%. The application of mineral fertilizers increases the phosphorus content in the grain to 0.97-1.15%. The phosphorus content in straw increases only with the addition of N150P60 and N200P80 kg /ha – 0.47-0.53%. In the absence of fertilizers, the economic removal of phosphorus is for the variety: Talisman – 20 kg / ha; Otrada and Foma – 28 kg/ ha. With an increase in the level of mineral nutrition of household takeaways increases to 95 kg / ha. Varietal features are manifested only when fertilizers are applied at doses of N90P40 and N150P60 kg/ha. For the formation of 1 ton of grain in the absence of fertilizers, 12-14 kg of phosphorus is required. The application of fertilizers for the planned yield of up to 4.0 t / ha of grain does not affect the specific removal of phosphorus. Further increase in the level of mineral nutrition (N150P60 and N200P80) increases the specific removal to 17-19 kg / t of grain. This indicator mainly depends on the level of mineral nutrition and to a lesser extent on the varietal characteristics of oats. The use of the element balance method for the planned yield of oats ensures maximum absorption of nutrients from fertilizers - the balance coefficient of phosphorus use from fertilizers is more than 100%, while the bulk of the crop is formed due to the active consumption of soil phosphates. Scientific novelty. It was found that the Foma oat variety most effectively absorbs phosphorus from fertilizers and soil, relative to the standard Talisman variety. Keywords: AGROCHEMISTRY OF OATS; ECONOMIC REMOVAL, COEFFICIENTS OF USE FROM FERTILIZER, CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF GRAIN, VARIETAL AGROTECHNICS, MODERN BREEDING, PLANNED YIELD, SPECIFIC PHOSPHORUS REMOVAL, LEVEL OF MINERAL NUTRITION, FERTILIZERS

Effect of latent heat storage on thermal comfort and energy consumption in lightweight earth-based housings

Embedding PCMs in building materials has attracted great interest due to their ability to store thermal energy. Storage of heat and cold is an efficient way to save energy. Considering a lightweight earth-based material, mixture of soil with a high straw content, the present work aims to improve its thermal properties by using phase change materials (PCM). In this investigation, a laboratory experimental campaign and subsequent numerical analysis were carried out to examine the impact of incorporating PCM within the lightweight earth-based material. Materials' hygro-thermal properties (thermal conductivity, specific heat capacity and water vapor permeability), determined experimentally in laboratory, have been considered to calculate energy consumption and occupant's comfort in a typical single-family housing. Experimental results showed an improvement of the lightweight earth-based material thermal conductivity and specific heat capacity, as well as a slight reduction in its water vapor permeability depending on the PCM content. These modifications in the lightweight earth-based material properties lead to predict an improvement of occupants' thermal comfort and a reduction of energy consumption in buildings that will be made with such a material. Finally, this study underlined the existence of an optimal phase change temperature regarding climate in which the building evolves.

Utilisation of wheat straw for concrete insulation brick

The use of wastes as part of insulation building materials has become a new requirement of green building. This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of using wheat straw as a filler for making thermal insulation bricks to reduce energy loss in buildings. Wheat straw, expanded perlite and asphalt were used to produce straw insulation blocks (SIBs), and the mix ratio of the materials used was determined using the orthogonal method. A reasonable mixing ratio is as follows: wheat straw content (weight ratio) is 23.8%, expanded perlite content 19.8% and asphalt content 56.4%. SIBs were filled into hollow concrete bricks to prepare straw insulation block core-filled concrete bricks (SIBCCBs). The density, compressive strength and thermal conductivity of SIBCCB were measured. The results indicate that the SIBCCB is lightweight, has low carbon dioxide emissions, good thermal insulation performance and compression resistance capacity, and is an ideal insulation block for load-bearing lightweight and non-load-bearing walls.

Elucidation of synergistic effects in straw/sludge co-pyrolysis through gaseous product monitoring and biochar analysis

The environmental problems posed by the increasing global production of sludge highlight the need for efficient sludge treatment methods ideally affording value-added products, as exemplified by the co-pyrolysis of sludge and biomass. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of temperature (500, 600, 700, and 800 °C) and straw content (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100 wt%) on the properties of gaseous products and biochar during pyrolysis of sludge–straw mixtures in a fixed-bed reactor. Gas (e.g., CO2, CO, CH4, and H2) release increased with increasing temperature (up to 700 °C) and straw content, which was ascribed to the high content of volatiles in straw and its ability to act as a hydrogen source for sludge. The specific surface area and pore volume of biochar first decreased and then increased with increasing temperature, whereas the reverse was true for pore size. The synergy between sludge and straw, quantified as the difference between experimental and predicted biochar yields and specific surface areas, was maximized at a straw content of 75 wt% and was analyzed to design a pyrolysis product framework based on the circular economy concept. Thus, this study paves way for the effective utilization of sludge co-pyrolysis products and the preparation of mixed biochar, providing a reference for solid-waste treatment and efficient energy utilization.

Characteristics of rice straw decomposition and bacterial community succession for 2 consecutive years in a paddy field in southeastern China

The characteristics of long-term rice straw decomposition and succession in the bacterial community in the double-rice system are still unclear. Here a 2-year continuous straw bag decomposition experiment was conducted to explore changes in nutrient release, enzyme activity, and bacterial community composition during rice straw decomposition in the double-rice system in Southeast China. After burial in soil, the cumulative dry matter loss rates of rice straw were 38.9%, 72.6%, and 82.7% after 2, 12, and 24 months, respectively. The change in the release rate of straw nitrogen and phosphorus was similar to the dry matter loss, but 93.5% of straw potassium was released after 1st month. Bacterial abundance and community diversity in straw increased rapidly, reaching peaks after 7 and 12 months, respectively. Straw extracellular enzyme activities were the highest in the first 2 months and then gradually decreased over time, and they significantly and positively correlated with straw decomposition rate. Straw decomposition was dominated by copiotrophic Bacilli and Flavobacteriia in the early stages and evolved to be dominated by oligotrophic Acidobacteria, Anaerolineae, Deltaproteobacteria, Saccharibacteria, and Sphingobacteriia in the later stages. Changes in the C/N and K content of straw are the main reasons for bacterial community succession during rice straw decomposition. This study can provide a scientific basis for developing efficient decomposing bacteria agents for rice straw.

Evaluation of the Physical, Mechanical, and Calorific Properties of Briquettes with or without a Hollow Made of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Straw Waste

Large amounts lignocellulosic biomass in the form of straw is leftover after wheat harvesting that could be utilized for beneficial purposes. The latter has led to the emergence of new technologies to make use of this resource. One such technology currently in use turns wheat straw into briquettes. In the present study, we have prepared and evaluated the physical, mechanical and calorific properties of two types of briquettes made of wheat straw. The two types of briquettes prepared were (i) hollow briquettes and (ii) solid briquettes. The densities of these briquettes obtained on a mechanical device with a crank mechanism were 1.169 kg/m3, irrespective of whether the briquettes were hollow or solid. The briquette densities are consistent with European standards. The calorific value of wheat straw was 17.69 MJ/kg. Although the calorific value was somewhat lower than the beech wood briquettes (18.38 MJ/kg), it is adequate for their combustion in both stoves and thermal power plants. The ash content of wheat straw was 9.1% (~10-fold higher than that of beech wood). The briquettes showed a compressive mechanical strength of 1.15–2.17 N/mm2 and splitting mechanical strength of 0.17–0.39 N/mm2 suggesting that the straw briquettes were well compacted and can be stable during transport and/or other manipulations. In conclusion, wheat straw briquettes have similar physical, mechanical and calorific properties to those prepared from beech wood biomass and are a viable solution to replace beech wood briquettes with similar efficiency.

Experimental study on co-pyrolysis of sludge and biomass straw

In order to maximize the potential energy utilization of agricultural and forestry waste and sludge, the experimental research on co-pyrolysis was carried out for two kinds of sludge (urban industrial sludge, paper sludge) and a typical biomass straw. The results show that adding biomass can effectively improve sludge pyrolysis characteristics; biomass straw and sludge, there are complex interactive effects between components in the co-pyrolysis process, and the characteristic parameters show nonlinear changes. When industrial sludge is mixed with straw, with the increase of straw content, the initial temperature of pyrolysis gradually decreases, the termination temperature increases, the peak of pyrolysis reaction rate and the corresponding temperature gradually increase, and the pyrolysis index gradually increases; when paper sludge is mixed with straw, with the increase of straw content, the initial temperature of pyrolysis gradually decreases, the termination temperature increases, the peak of pyrolysis reaction rate gradually increases, while the peak corresponding temperature gradually decreases, and the pyrolysis index gradually decreases. Combined with characteristic parameters and reaction kinetics analysis, it is suggested that the straw mixing proportion should be controlled at about 25% during the co-pyrolysis of industrial sludge and straw. During the co-pyrolysis of paper sludge and straw, it is suggested to control the straw blending ratio at about 75%.

Effect of Biofertilizers on Nutrient Uptake by Green Gram [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek] under Agri-horti System in Vindhyan Region of Eastern Uttar Pradesh

A field investigation was carried out in Factorial Randomized Block Design during autumn 2018 at agricultural farm, Rajiv Gandhi South Campus, Barkachha, Mirzapur (RGSC), Banaras Hindu University (U.P.) to investigate the impact of fertiliser and biofertilizer on the nutrient uptake by the green gram (V. radiata L.) plant and grain under guava (P. guvajava L.) trees. The twelve year old guava orchard was established in August 2006 with spacing of 7m x 7m. Seven fertilizer combination viz., control, Rhizobium culture, press mud, phosphorus solubilizing bacteria, Rhizobium culture + fertilizer, phosphorus solubilizing bacteria + fertilizer and press mud + fertilizer were applied. Among them application of press mud + fertilizer performed better by recording highest nitrogen content in grain (3.75), nitrogen content in grain (1.50), removal of nitrogen in grain (33.09) Removal of nitrogen in straw (33.03) and phosphorus content in grain (0.41) phosphorus content in straw (0.30), phosphorus uptake in grain (3.62), phosphorus uptake in straw (5.61), and found significantly superior to rest of the treatments.

Different organic material amendments effects soil nitrogen utilization and crop yield in the North China Plain

AbstractOrganic materials incorporation and nitrogen utilization are both important measures to enhance soil fertility and crop productivity. To evaluate the effect of different organic materials on soil N utilization and crop yield, three kinds of organic materials, including straw (ST), pig manure (PM), and biogas residue (BR), were incorporated into the soil with equal N in the wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)–maize (Zea mays L.) cropping system with chemical fertilizers (CFs) as a control in Wuqiao County in the North China Plain. The contents of soil N, nitrate N, ammonium N, N use efficiency, N partial productivity (NPFP), N uptake efficiency (NUPE), and N harvest index (NHI) were measured and calculated. The results of 2‐yr field trials suggested that, compared with CF, soil total N (TN) content of ST, PM, and BR treatment increased by 3.04, 8.99, and 9.10%, respectively. An even larger increase was found in nitrate N, which was 25.87, 44.67, and 44.93% in ST, PM, and BR, respectively. For N utilization, PM significantly increased NPFP, NUPE, and NHI by 4.01, 5.86, and 3.04%, respectively, meanwhile decreasing soil N dependency rate by 4.64%; BR improved NUPE by 5.15%, while ST showed little improvement in the utilization of soil N. Overall, organic materials promoted soil N maintenance and increased N utilization. Among the kinds of organic material amendment in the study, PM had a better performance in improving soil N utilization and crop yield than BR and crop ST return in field experiments.

Enhancement of anaerobic digestion performance of corn straw via combined sodium hydroxide-cellulase pretreatment

Effective pretreatment of corn straw is essential to improve its anaerobic digestion (AD), NaOH-cellulase pretreatment of corn straw may be effective in enhancing its AD at the theoretical level. In this study, the effects of NaOH-cellulase treatment on corn straw degradation rate and sugar yield were investigated. Moreover, the microstructure analysis of corn straw was performed to determine the treatment mechanism. Gas production, methane content, kinetic fitting, and stability of AD of corn straw were compared before and after pretreatment to determine the efficacy of NaOH-cellulase pretreatment. The results showed the highest straw degradation rate (230% higher than that of the control group) when hydrolyzed by 6.0% of NaOH as 0.10 g·g−1 dry matter cellulase, and the biomethane content in corn straw pretreated with 6.0% of NaOH-elution-cellulase reached 70.1%. The biomethane yields of the corn straw after NaOH-elution-enzymatic hydrolysis using 4% of NaOH was 317 ± 11 mL·g−1 VS. The efficiency of AD after 4.0% of NaOH pretreatment was better than that after 6.0%-NaOH pretreatment, where the anaerobic system was more stable. In this study, NaOH-cellulase was used for the first time to pretreat corn straw, which effectively improved its AD.