Straw Management Research Articles

What monetary incentives are rice farmers willing to accept to stop straw burning? Evidence from a choice experiment in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam

Producing rice generates straw, which is often conveniently burned, causing substantial atmospheric pollution. Increasing straw utilization efficiency and reducing straw burning will improve the agricultural ecological environment and promote sustainable development of agricultural production. Little is known about farmers’ perceived costs of alternative straw management practices and what it would take for them to stop straw burning. We conduct choice experiments with 543 Vietnamese farmers in the Mekong Delta to elicit their preferences for improved straw management practices under varying monetary incentives and enabling environments of mechanization and governance. The attributes and levels used in this study include sustainable practice (i.e., incorporation of rice straw, partial removal, and complete removal), availability of machinery (i.e., low, medium, and high), governance (i.e., individual farmer, farmer organization, and local government), and monetary incentives (US$43–87/ha). Results from a mixed logit model suggest that farmers are willing to stop straw burning and adopt sustainable straw management practices in return for monetary incentives. Farmers require lower monetary incentives when machinery services for chopping and collecting rice straw are available and when rice straw management is governed collectively by farmer organizations or the local government. Policy makers can use these results to prioritize investments and design optimal policies for mitigating air pollution by diverting farmers away from straw burning towards sustainable rice straw management practices.

Effect on greenhouse gas emissions (CH4 and N2O) of straw mulching or its incorporation in farmland ecosystems in China

Straw returning can enhance crop yield, promote soil organic carbon sequestration, and support sustainable crop production. However, straw management techniques, such as straw mulching (SR-M) and straw incorporation (SR-I), can significantly elevate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This meta-analysis synthesizes data from 217 studies to explore the effects of different straw management approaches on mitigating GHG emissions in agricultural settings. The analysis reveals that SR-I (129.39 %) had a more pronounced impact on CH4 emissions than SR-M (14.86 %), but SR-M (18.47 %) had a more significant impact on N2O emissions than SR-I (7.76 %). Notably, SR-I had a greater impact on soil carbon content than SR-M. The effect of straw returning on CH4 and N2O emissions varied under different climatic conditions, management practices, and initial soil properties. Specifically, under conditions characterized by a mean annual temperature (MAT) ≤ 14 °C, mean annual precipitation (MAP) > 800 mm, initial soil organic carbon (SOCi) ≤ 14 g kg−1, initial soil total nitrogen (TNi) ≤ 1.2 g kg−1, and soil pH > 6, with straw returning amounts (SRA) ≤ 6000 kg ha−1, nitrogen application rate (NAR) > 200 kg ha−1, straw returning duration > 3 years, and maize, rice, wheat–maize, or wheat–rice as the cultivated crop, SR-M had a lesser impact on CH4 and N2O emissions than conditions under other environmental and management measures. Under conditions characterized by MAT ≤ 14 °C, MAP ≤ 800 mm, SOCi > 14 g kg−1, TNi > 1.2 g kg−1, and soil pH > 8, with SRA > 6000 kg ha−1, straw returning duration > 3 years, and wheat as the cultivated crop, SR-I had a lesser impact on CH4 and N2O emissions than conditions under other environmental and management measures. Furthermore, deep straw incorporation (SR-Ideep, straw mixed with 20–40 cm deep soil) did not significantly affect CH4 and N2O emissions, suggesting its potential for widespread adoption. These findings offer valuable insights for optimizing straw management practices and reducing GHG emissions in farmland ecosystems.

The Discrete Taxonomic Classification of Soils Subjected to Diverse Treatment Modalities and Varied Fertility Grades Utilizing Machine Olfaction

Soil classification stands as a pivotal aspect in the domain of agricultural practices and environmental research, wielding substantial influence over decisions related to real-time soil management and precision agriculture. Nevertheless, traditional methods of assessing soil conditions, primarily grounded in labor-intensive chemical analyses, confront formidable challenges marked by substantial resource demands and spatial coverage limitations. This study introduced a machine olfaction methodology crafted to emulate the capabilities of the human olfactory system, providing a cost-effective alternative. In the initial phase, volatile gases produced during soil pyrolysis were propelled into a sensor array comprising 10 distinct gas sensors to monitor changes in gas concentration. Following the transmission of response data, nine eigenvalues were derived from the response curve of each sensor. Given the disparate sample counts for the two distinct classification criteria, this computational procedure yields two distinct eigenspaces, characterized by dimensions of 112 or 114 soil samples, each multiplied by 10 sensors and nine eigenvalues. The determination of the optimal feature space was guided by the “overall feature information” derived from mutual information. Ultimately, the inclusion of random forest (RF), multi-layer perceptron (MLP), and multi-layer perceptron combined with random forest (MLP-RF) models was employed to classify soils under four treatments (tillage and straw management) and three fertility grades. The assessment of model performance involved metrics such as overall accuracy (OA) and the Kappa coefficient. The findings revealed that the optimal classification model, MLP-RF, achieved impeccable performance with an OA of 100.00% in classifying soils under both criteria, which showed almost perfect agreement with the actual results. The approach proposed in this study provided near-real-time data on the condition of the soil and opened up new possibilities for advancing precision agriculture management.

Potential and benefits of biochar production: crop straw management and carbon emission mitigation in Shaanxi Province, China.

Shaanxi Province is an important agricultural province in western China. Its profit-oriented management of crop residues remains a concern in the agriculture sector. Aiming to accelerate the valorization of agricultural straw and offer potential solutions for profit-oriented use of crop residues in Shaanxi, this study estimated the quantity of resources and collectable amount of crop straw by using the grain-to-straw ratio, analyzed the carbon emission reduction potential considering biochar energy and soil uses with the help of a life cycle assessment (LCA) model, and calculated the economic benefits of biochar production using waste and abandoned straw in Weinan (a city of Shaanxi). The theoretical resources and collectible amount of crop straw in Shaanxi showed an overall growth trend from 1949 to 2021, reaching 1.47 × 107 and 1.26 × 107t in 2021 respectively. In 2021, straw from corn, wheat, and other grains accounted for 94.32% of the total straw. Among the 11 cities in Shaanxi, Weinan had the largest straw resources of 2.82 × 106t, Yulin had the largest per capita straw resources of 0.72t/person, and Yangling had the highest resource density of 7.60t/hm2. The total carbon emission reduction was 3.11 × 104t under scenario A with crop straw used for power generation. The emission reduction ranged from 1.25 × 107 to 1.27 × 107 CO2e t under scenario B with biochar production for energy and soil use. By using waste and abandoned straw in Weinan for biochar production, carbon emissions could be reduced by up to 2.07 × 105t CO2e. In terms of the economic benefit from straw pyrolysis, the actual income was estimated to range from 0.67 × 108 to 1.33 × 108 ¥/a with different carbon prices. This study sheds light on the economic and environmental benefits of agricultural straw valorization through pyrolysis in Shaanxi, and provided an important basis for promoting the agricultural straw utilization in view of its potential for carbon emission reduction.

Straw return influences the structure and functioning of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal community in a rice-wheat rotation system

Straw incorporation is a sustainable soil fertility-building practice, which can affect soil microbial communities. However, how straw incorporation affects arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) is not well explored. Here, we studied the impacts of different straw management practices over eight years on the structure and function of AMF communities in a rice-wheat rotation system. The straw managements included no tillage with no straw (NTNS), rotary tillage straw return (RTSR) and ditch-buried straw return (DBSR). The community structure of AMF was characterized using high-throughput sequencing and the mycorrhizal functioning was quantified using an in situ mycorrhizal-suppression treatment. Different straw management practices formed unique AMF community structure, which was closely related to changes in soil total organic carbon, available phosphorus, total nitrogen, ammonium and nitrate. RTSR significantly increased Shannon diversity in 0-10 cm soils while DBSR increased it in 10–20 cm soils when compared with NTNS. DBSR significantly increased hyphal length density in the whole (0–20 cm) ploughing layer, but RTSR only increased it in the subsoil layer (10–20 cm). The mycorrhizal responses of shoot biomass and nutrient (N and P) uptake were positive under both straw incorporation treatments (RTSR and DBSR), but negative under NTNS. AMF community composition was significantly correlated to hyphal length density, and the latter was further a positive predictor for the mycorrhizal responses of plant growth and nutrient uptake. These findings suggest that straw return can affect AMF community structure and functioning, and farmers should manage mycorrhizas to strengthen their beneficial effects on crop production.

ARMOSA Model Parametrization for Winter Durum Wheat Cultivation under Diverse Cropping Management Practices in a Mediterranean Environment

In anticipation of climate changes, strategic soil management, encompassing reduced tillage and optimized crop residue utilization, emerges as a pivotal strategy for climate impact mitigation. Evaluating the transition from conventional to conservative cropping systems, especially the equilibrium shift in the medium to long term, is essential. ARMOSA, a robust crop simulation model, adeptly responds to varied soil management practices such as no tillage, minimum tillage, and specific straw management options such as chopping and incorporating crop residue into the soil (with or without prior nitrogen and water addition before ploughing). It effectively captures dynamic fluctuations in total organic carbon over an extended period. While challenges persist in precisely predicting grain yield due to climatic intricacies, ARMOSA stands out as a valuable and versatile tool. The model excels in comprehending and simulating wheat cultivar responses in dynamic agricultural ecosystems, shedding light on phenological patterns, biomass accumulation, and soil organic carbon dynamics. This research significantly advances our understanding of the intricate complexities associated with past wheat cultivation in diverse environmental conditions. ARMOSA’s ability to inform decisions on conservation practices positions it as a valuable asset for researchers, agronomists, and policymakers navigating the challenges of sustainable agriculture amidst climate change. Its real-world significance lies in its potential to guide informed decisions, contributing to global efforts in sustainable agriculture and climate resilience.

Improving Soil Quality and Crop Yields Using Enhancing Sustainable Rice Straw Management Through Microbial Enzyme Treatments.

This study develops a model to raise public awareness about the consequences of burning rice straw after harvest, including environmental pollution, soil degradation, and increased CO2 emissions that contribute to the greenhouse effect. The distinctive feature of the research is the introduction of a post-harvest rice straw treatment process using microbial products capable of secreting cellulase enzymes, which can break down the cellulose in the straw. This process shortens the decomposition time and produces natural organic fertilizer, thus reducing cultivation costs by 60% and increasing crop yields by 20%. The experimental model was carried out in Cam My district, Dong Nai province, Vietnam, including 4 models: no microbial products; using Bio Decomposer; using NTT-01; and using NTT-02. Each experimental field had an area of 650 m². The results showed a significant reduction in straw decomposition time after 14 days of use of the products, with a decomposition rate of up to 80%, nearly twice as fast as without the products. This helps save time, produce natural organic fertilizers, reduce care costs, and increase rice yields, resulting in more income for local residents. These findings demonstrate the effectiveness of microbial treatments in sustainable agriculture and their potential for a broader application in the management of agricultural waste.

Nitrogen and Straw Management for Sustainable Maize-Wheat Cropping in the North China Plain: Insight from Crop Yield and Nitrogen Use Efficiency

Nitrogen and Straw Management for Sustainable Maize-Wheat Cropping in the North China Plain: Insight from Crop Yield and Nitrogen Use Efficiency

Evaluating short-term effects of rice straw management on carbon fractions, composition and stability of soil aggregates in an acidic red soil with a vegetable planting history

Red soils are characterised by acidic pH and limitations in carbon, nitrogen, water, and soil structure. To overcome such limitations, improved soil aggregation is the key to improving the physical and chemical properties of soil. Applying organic amendments such as straw can lead to corresponding soil aggregation and stability changes. Therefore, we explored the short-term effects of rice straw amendment, either alone or in combination with biochar, on improving the carbon fractions, stability, and composition of soil aggregates in red soil with a history of vegetable planting. The study consisted of four treatments: control (no organic material, CK), biochar alone (5% homemade straw biochar, B), straw alone (12% rice straw, S), and biochar with straw (5% homemade straw biochar + 12% rice straw, BS). Our results showed that equal amounts of straw and biochar substantially reduced the number of mechanically stable aggregates (MSA), mean weight diameter (MWD), and geometric mean diameter (GMD) of the soil. BS treatment reduced >0.25 mm aggregate content (R0.25), MWD and GMD by 24.06%, 56.81%, and 62.19%, respectively, compared with that of the control. The addition of straw greatly enhanced the water-stable macromolecular content and stability coefficient of the soil, but treatment B had no obvious effect. The S treatment had the greatest effect on R0.25, MWD and GMD, increasing them by 143.94%, 246.67%, and 181.82%, respectively, compared with that of the control. Soil organic carbon (SOC) was significantly increased by straw addition and carbonisation treatment, and the effect of the BS treatment was the best, with an increase of 325.63% compared with that of the control. The organic carbon content in the aggregates of different particle sizes treated with different organic materials also increased significantly. In the soil reactive organic carbon fraction, applying biochar alone did not affect microbial biomass carbon (MBC), dissolved organic carbon (DOC), or easily oxidized organic carbon (EOC) but could increase the particulate organic carbon (POC) content. All the treatments with straw application significantly increased the MBC, DOC, EOC, and POC content, and the highest effect was obtained by applying both straw and biochar in an integrated form, i.e., the BS treatment. In conclusion, the co-application of biochar and straw sequestered more carbon and revamped soil C pools than either biochar or straw alone and could be a promising option for the sustainable use of red soils to ameliorate the aforementioned limitations associated with this soil type.

Effects of dynamic nitrogen application on rice yield and quality under straw returning conditions

Rice cultivation in Jilin Province, China, encounters challenges associated with straw management and nitrogen fertilizer usage. This study explores the effects of dynamic nitrogen fertilizer application combined with straw incorporation on soil properties, rice yield, and quality. High-quality Japonica rice varieties, “Jihong 9″ and “Jinongda 853,” were cultivated in a 3-year trial across different regions. Results showed that dynamic nitrogen fertilizer application under straw incorporation significantly improved soil properties, leading to increased yields. Over the years, the average yield in straw retuning (SR) was 10,566 kg/ha, surpassing conventional practices (CK) at 9939 kg/ha. SR exhibited higher effective tiller rates, spike numbers, and grain numbers per spike, contributing to enhanced yields. Quality analysis revealed that SR rice exhibited lower protein content, resulting in reduced chalkiness and improved taste quality, making it a more desirable option. These findings highlight the effectiveness of sustainable agricultural practices in optimizing rice production in Jilin Province.

An Assessment On The Knowledge Level Of Farmers Regarding Paddy Straw Management In Ludhiana, Punjab

Managing paddy straw in conservation agriculture is crucial for long term sustainability of agriculture. Rice straw, which is often scattered or burned in the fields, serves multiple purposes like mushroom production, fuel for cooking, ruminant fodder, stable bedding, and paper making. The study has put forth the knowledge level of farmers regarding paddy straw management. The present study was carried out in the Ludhiana district of Punjab purposively on the basis of availability of rice growers using multistage sampling technique with 100 respondents. The study revealed that 47 per cent belong to middle age group ranging from 35-50 years. Among all, 39 per cent of the farmers have completed senior secondary education. Agriculture was the major occupation of the respondents. It has been reported that more than half of the farmers belonged to nuclear families and majority of farmers had small sized family of 2 to 5 members. The operational land holding data of the respondents was categorized into marginal, small, semi-medium, medium and large categories and the majority of farmers have large land holdings of more than 25 acres. Notably, maximum respondents demonstrated a medium knowledge level regarding paddy straw management. The overall result regarding paddy straw management indicates a mixed level of awareness. While the majority of farmers were knowledgeable about certain aspects such as preferred rice variety for extending time period for straw management and the use of a baler. The study established a positive and highly significant relationship between knowledge level and and factors like education and training.

Effects of straw return with potassium fertilizer on the stem lodging resistance, grain quality and yield of spring maize (Zea mays L.)

This experiment aimed to study the effects of straw return combined with potassium fertilizer on stem lodging resistance, grain quality, and yield of spring maize. The objective was to provide a scientific basis for the rational utilization of Inner Mongolia spring maize straw and potassium fertilizer resources. The test material used was ‘Xianyu 335’, and the study was conducted in three ecological regions from east to west of Inner Mongolia (Tumochuan Plain Irrigation Area, Hetao Plain Irrigation Area, and Lingnan Warm Dry Zone). A split-plot design was employed, with the straw return method as the main plot and potassium fertilizer dosage as the secondary plot. We determined the stem resistance index, grain quality, and yield. The results showed that both straw return and potassium application improved stem lodging resistance, grain quality, and maize yield. Combining straw return with the reasonable application of potassium fertilizer enhanced the effectiveness of potassium fertilizer, increased lodging resistance, maize yield, and improved grain quality and yield stability. Under the straw return treatment, with potassium application compared to no potassium application, significant increases were observed in maize plant height, stem diameter, dry weight of stems, stem compressive strength, stem bending strength, grain protein content, yield, straw potassium accumulation content, and soil available potassium content. These increases were up to 30.79 cm, 2.63 mm, 15.40 g, 74.93 N/mm2, 99.65 N/mm2, 13.68%, 3142.43 kg/hm2, 57.97 kg/hm2, and 19.80 mg/kg, respectively. Therefore, the interaction of straw return and potassium fertilizer was found to be the most effective measure for maintaining high-yield and stress-resistant cultivation, improving grain quality, and optimizing the management of straw and potassium fertilizer resources. This approach is suitable for promotion and application in the spring maize growing areas of Inner Mongolia.

Cephalosporium stripe disease, crop yield and selected soil properties as influenced by straw management in a micro-plot experiment with winter wheat monoculture

Cephalosporium stripe disease, crop yield and selected soil properties as influenced by straw management in a micro-plot experiment with winter wheat monoculture

Potential Use of Rice Straw with Sustainable Technologies: Knowledge and Constraints

The present study was carried out in eight districts of Haryana state. The outcomes of the study were explained after completing a field survey in which a total of 480 farmers (60 from each district) were interviewed using a well-structured interview schedule. The results were visualized that in comparison to manufacturing industries and renewable energy production, respondents in the study had a high level of awareness about the possible use of straw in agriculture especially in live-stock feeding and in making of compost and vermi-compost. They were also well aware about the use of straw in paper making and in bio-fuel production. The major constraints reported were ‘straw of paddy delay in wheat sowing’, ‘non-availability of suitable technology’ and ‘high cost of residue management machines’. Management constraints were ranked first among the various types of constraints, followed by financial and then technical constraints. Farmers were also aware about benefits of straw management i.e. straw management helps in controlling carbon emission and improving soil health.

Assessing the allocations of exogenous N to the soil organic N pool in maize–wheat cropping using 15N in situ labelling

The accumulation of nitrogen (N) from straw and fertilizer in soil effectively reduces N losses, which is vital for protecting dryland farming environments. However, the quantification of exogenous N contributions to soil organic nitrogen (SON) under different carbon (C) and N management practices in maize–wheat cropping systems remains unknown. Here, a 15N in situ labelling experiment was conducted, based on continuous 5-year N levels (0, 150, 250 kg N ha−1 applied for each crop) and two straw management practices (NS, straw removal; AS, straw incorporation) to investigate the allocation of exogenous N to SON and its underlying accumulation mechanisms. The atom% excess in SON was determined after fractionating it into active and stable fractions by the acid hydrolysis method. Compared to NS, AS significantly increased the distribution of fertilizer N into stable SON by 168.4 %–223.6 % in the maize season, and into active and stable SON by 256.7 %–278.4 % and 142.0 %–167.6 %, respectively, in the wheat season. The content and retention rate of fertilizer N in SON were highest at the N250 and N150 levels, respectively, under both NS and AS treatments in the two crop seasons. In contrast, N addition decreased the allocation of straw N to SON, especially in the wheat season. Notably, the content and residual rate of exogenous N in SON between the N150 and N250 levels showed no significant differences. Straw incorporation exerted the most significant direct and positive impact on the immobilization of fertilizer N in the soil, whereas N application indirectly influenced straw N accumulation, primarily by altering labile C and N contents, subsequently selecting specific microbial communities. Gram-positive bacteria and actinomycetes exhibited a significant positive correlation with straw N content in SON. This study provides a new perspective on N nutrient management by quantifying exogenous N accumulation in the soil.

Short-term effects of maize straw return with nitrogen fertilization on ammonia and nitrous oxide emissions in Northeast China

The annual degradation of biological soil health within Northeast China (NC), specifically in the context of spring maize (Zea mays L.) cultivation, has been a growing concern. Improving straw management is a potential strategy to ameliorate this ongoing deterioration. This study aimed to determine the responses of soil gaseous nitrogen (N) losses to deep-plowed maize straw into the surface soil layer. The field experiment was conducted from 2019 to 2021 with six treatments: no straw (S0N0), half straw (7.5 ​t ​ha−1, S0.5N0), and full straw return (15 ​t ​ha−1, S1N0) without N fertilizer; no straw (S0N200), half straw (S0.5N200), and full straw return (S1N200) with 200 ​kg ​N ha−1. The results indicated that the cumulative ammonia (NH3) volatilization increased by 74.6% and 120.0% in S0.5N200 and S1N200 compared with S0N200, respectively. The cumulative nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions were lower in S0.5 and S1 than in S0 by 48.8% and 45.3%, respectively. The soil NO3−-N content in the 0−80 ​cm layer was reduced by 48.5% and 56.5% in S0.5 and S1, respectively, compared with S0. However, the agronomic efficiency of N (AEN) decreased by 5.4% and 17.6% in S0.5 and S1, respectively, compared with S0 in 2021. Overall, the deep incorporation of maize straw into farmland in NC primarily increased the NH3 emission in the short term. However, it was beneficial for reducing the N2O emission and avoiding N leaching into deeper soil layers. An increase in N fertilization would better meet the demand for maize growth, thus enhancing the yield. In the future, controlling the NH3 emission to improve N use efficiency can further unleash the potential of the straw return to increase soil N reservoirs, enhance ecological benefits, and maintain food security.

Efficient cotton population photosynthetic production synergistically increases seedcotton yield and fiber quality through straw incorporation with appropriate nitrogen fertilization in wheat-cotton rotation system

ContextStraw incorporation with appropriate nitrogen (N) fertilization could increase seedcotton yield, but it is unknown whether and how straw incorporation with N fertilization can synergistically improve seedcotton yield and fiber quality. ObjectiveContinuous years of positioning field wheat-cotton double cropping experiments were conducted from 2015 to 2021 to investigate the effects of straw incorporation and N fertilization on seedcotton yield and fiber quality. MethodsFour N rates (0, 75, 150 and 300 kg N ha−1) and two straw managements (wheat-cotton straw incorporation and straw removal i.e. CK) were used as experimental treatments. The canopy photosyhthetic capacity, biomass, seedcotton yield and fiber quality were measured. Meanwhile, the dynamics of cotton square nuber and boll number during the efficient photo-thermal periods (approximately from 25th July to 30th August) were monitored. ResultsIn the study from 2019 to 2021, the canopy apparent photosynthesis rate, leaf area index and chlorophyll relative content increased with straw incorporation and increasing N rates. The maximum daily square appearance rate of 6.9 × 104 no. ha−1 and the maximum daily boll setting rate of 3.4 × 104 no. ha−1 during the efficient photo-thermal periods were obtained under straw incorporation with 150 kg N ha−1. Where the maximum boll setting ratio and boll weight ratio were observed. Straw incorporation with 150 kg N ha−1 also produced the maximum boll number (87.3–98.1 × 104 no. ha−1), seedcotton yield (3998–4544 kg ha−1) and the longest fiber length of 30.3–31.2 mm across from 2019 to 2021, and the strongest fiber strength and the lowest micronaire in 2019 and 2020. The results of 13CO2 feeding to cotton plants in 2019 and 2020 showed that straw incorporation promoted 13C allocation into cotton fiber and the maximum cotton fiber 13C proportion appeared under straw incorporation with 150 kg N ha−1. Besides, straw incorporation and increasing N rates increased seed hull 13C proportion for fiber development. In addition, long-term straw incorporation could reduce chemical N fertilizer by approximatly 30% from 150 kg N ha−1 to achieve the seedcotton yield under 150 kg N ha−1 without significant influence on fiber quality. ConclusionIn wheat-cotton rotation system, straw incorporation with a 30% reduction from 150 kg N ha−1 was appropriate to increasing seedcotton yield and fiber quality synergistically by improving canopy photosynthetic capacity, increasing cotton square and boll number during the efficient photo-thermal period, and optimizing photosynthate allocation in cotton boll.

Adaptability and diversity of core microbiome in evaluating the effect of digested versus raw manure in anaerobic digestion of rice straw

The application of anaerobic digestion (AD) for the management of rice straw (RS) provides a way to generate bioenergy to tackle greenhouse gas emissions caused by conventional burning and tilling of straw back into the fields. The existing research often neglects inoculum selectivity and microbial community roles in AD. This study demonstrates the superiority of the microbial community from digested manure (ADS) over raw manure (CD) in producing biogas from rice straw. Notably, the microbial community of digested manure progressively resembled that of raw cow dung after 45 days of anaerobic digestion showing 116 common bacterial genera in comparison to just 9 at the beginning of the experiment. The dominant bacterial genus observed was Clostridiales, with its abundance rising from 9.86% to 38.40% in ADS and declining from 38.16% to 7.53% in CD from day 0 and day 45. This was succeeded by a rise in Prevotella and a reduction in Pseudomonas as the days advanced. Methanobrevibacter was the dominant genus of hydrogenotrophic archaea whose abundance increased from 8.20% to 64.25% in ADS and decreased from 61.41% to 8.98% in CD. Reactors inoculated with ADS outperformed those inoculated with raw CD by producing 7.07 times higher biogas. Additionally, the study highlights the influence of microbial dynamics on volatile fatty acid accumulation, and buffering capacity of the AD system. The significance of this research lies in enhanced microbial activity and digestion rate, reduced start-up time, and adaptation to feedstock resulting in higher biogas production.

Short-term effect of different returning methods of maize straw on the temperature of black soil plough layer

Clarifying the effect of different maize straw returning methods on soil temperature is crucial for optimizing the management of farmland straw and the efficient utilization of heat resources in the black soil region of Northeast China. To investigate the impacts of straw returning methods on soil temperature, we conducted a field experiment with four treatments during 2018 and 2020, including plough tillage with straw returning (PTSR), rotary tillage with straw returning (RTSR), no-tillage with straw returning (NTSR), and a control treatment of conventional ridge tillage without straw returning (CT). We measured soil temperature and water content at the 5 cm, 15 cm and 30 cm soil layer, and the straw coverage rate during the 3-year maize growth period. We further analyzed the differences of soil temperature in different soil layer under different treatments, accumulated soil temperature and growing degree-days (GDD) above 10 ℃, daily dynamics of soil temperature, the production efficiency of air accumulated temperature among different treatments, and explored factors causing the difference of soil temperature and the production efficiency of air accumulated temperature. Our results showed that different treatments mainly affected soil temperature from the sowing to emergence stage (S-VE) of maize. The daily average soil temperature showed a trend of CT>PTSR>RTSR>NTSR. The differences of soil temperature under different treatments showed a decreasing trend as growth process advanced and soil depth increased. Compared with the CT treatment, soil temperature at 5 cm depth was decreased by 0.86, 1.84 and 3.50 ℃ for PTSR, RTSR, and NTSR treatments, respectively. NTSR significantly reduced the accumulated temperature of ≥10 ℃ in different soil layers and GDD. The accumulated temperature ≥ 10 ℃ at the 5, 15, and 30 cm soil layers decreased by 216.2, 222.7, and 165.1 ℃·d, and the GDD decreased by 201.9, 138.7 and 123.9 ℃·d, respectively. In addition, production efficiency of air accumulated temperature decreased by 9.7% to 15.6% for NTSR. Conclusively, PTSR and RTSR had significant impacts on topsoil temperature during the maize growing period from sowing to emergence, but did not affect the accumulated soil temperature and the production efficiency of air accumulated temperature. However, NTSR significantly reduced topsoil temperature and production efficiency of air accumulated temperature.

Effect of Rice Straw Management on Growth Attributes of Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.)

India is the second- largest producer of rice in the world, with 43.86 million hectares of land under rice cultivation where the crop residue generated is more than 160 million tons per year. The rice straw management is a challenging task in rice-producing regions. So, there is a need for an effective waste disposal technology for converting this waste into some valuable form. Keeping this in view,the present investigation was undertaken during the winter (Rabi) season of 2021-22 and 2022-23 at the Research Farm of the KVK Jagdishpur, Sonipat, Department of Vegetable Science, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, Haryana to evaluate the effect of rice straw management on the growth attributes of potato.The seed material of potatocv. “KufriKhyati” was grown with twelve different rice straw treatment combinations. The experimental results revealed that the treatment T1 (Removing of straw + Planting) which was at par with treatment T9 (Urea (50kg/ha) + WD (25lt/ha) + FYM (1ton/ha) + Mixing of chopped straw + Planting) performed superiorly over the other treatments with significantly higher values for growth attributes viz., plant emergence (%), plant height (cm), number of stems per hill and number of leaves per hill.