Straw Volume Research Articles

Improved interfacial compatibility between unsaturated polyester resin and rice straw fibers after non-washing treatment with Ca(OH)2

The agricultural industry produces a substantial volume of rice straw (RS) annually, highlighting the importance of recycling RS for sustainable materials. However, the poor interfacial compatibility between RS and polymers often leads to drawbacks in their composites, such as water-swelling and limited tensile strength. Here, we propose a novel approach using Ca(OH)2 that offers several distinct advantages: enhancement of interfacial compatibility, elimination of the need for water washing, and formation of calcified hybrid particles on fiber surfaces by capturing CO2 from the atmosphere. The non-washing calcified rice straw (NCRS) fibers were used to fabricate composites with unsaturated polyester resin (UPR), resulting in NCRS/UPR composites exhibiting significant enhancements in water resistance and mechanical properties compared to RS/UPR composites. The NCRS/UPR composites achieved a water absorption rate below 25 %, thickness swelling rate below 10 %, and tensile strength of 19.9 MPa. This work comprehensively explored the mechanism underlying these achievements through experimental studies. Findings suggest that CaCO3 particles involving with released lignin act as an interfacial bridge between RS fiber surface and UPR, resulting in significantly improved properties. This approach demonstrates promising prospects as a simple and eco-friendly methodology for manufacturing RS-based composite materials.

Cryopreservation of European flat oyster (Ostrea edulis) larvae using a controlled-rate freezer

Larvae of the European flat oyster (Ostrea edulis) were cryopreserved using two protocols originally developed for other bivalvian species with several modifications. Culture of the European flat oyster went through several setbacks due to parasitic diseases, thus, assisted reproductive technologies such as larval cryopreservation can aid in prompt restoration of lost populations and thus facilitate farming of the species. Veliger larvae were diluted in two basic extenders (0.4 M trehalose or 0.4 M sucrose) supplemented with ethylene glycol (EG), dimethyl-sulfoxide (DMSO) or propylene glycol (PG) in concentrations of 10–20% with or without the addition of polyvinylpyrrolidone (average MW-40,000; PVP-40). Larvae were loaded into 0.25-ml or 0.5-ml straws and cryopreserved in a controlled-rate freezer using two slow cooling profiles. Assessment of larval survival 20 min or 24 h post-thaw revealed that the cooling profiles and the type of extender used did not have a significant effect on survival rates. On the other hand, the type of cryoprotectant, straw volume and the time of assessment had a significant main effect on larval survival percentages (p < 0.001 in all three cases). Survival percentages of 70–80% were observed 20 min post-thaw which decreased to 40–60% at 24 h. Generally, EG and DMSO resulted in higher post-thaw larval survival than did PG when larvae were cryopreserved in 0.25-ml straws, whereas, these differences were not detected when 0.5-ml straws were employed. Results of these experiments will allow later studies on long-term survival of cryopreserved European flat oyster larvae.

Design and Experiment of Active Spiral Pushing Straw Row-Sorting Device

Aiming to solve the problems of excessive straw residue and large soil loss in the seeding belt of the straw row-sorting operation when the full volume of straw is crushed and returned to the field in the northeastern region of China, an active spiral pushing straw row-sorting device (ASPSRD) was designed in this paper. The straw on the surface of the land is collected and stirred by the high-speed rotating spiral-notched blades in the device and pushed to the non-seeding area for the purpose of cleaning the seeding belt. The parameters of key components were determined through theoretical analysis. The orthogonal combination test method of four factors and three levels was adopted. The EDEM discrete element simulation experiment was carried out by selecting the straw mulching quantity (SMQ), the rotating speed of the active rotating shaft (RSARS), the forward speed of the tractor (FST), and the notch width of the spiral notch blade (NWSNB) as the test factors, and the straw-cleaning rate (SCR) and soil loss rate (SLR) as the test indexes. Through range analysis, the parameters were optimized, and the optimal operation parameters of the straw row-sorting device were determined as follows: SMQ was 1.8 kg/m2, RSARS was 120 rpm, FST was 4 m/s, and NWSNB was 9 mm. The operational performance of the device was verified by field experiments. The results of the test showed that after the device was operated with the optimal combination of parameters, the SCR of the 20 cm wide seeding belt was 95.32%, and the SLR was 7.12%, which met the agronomic and technical requirements of corn no-tillage sowing operation in Northeast China. This study can provide a reference for the design of a straw row-sorting device of a no-tillage machine.

Process optimization of rice straw-derived activated biochar and biosorption of heavy metals from drinking water in rural areas

The Indo-Gangetic plain of northern India is known for prevalent rice farming. Due to the lack of a rice straw waste management system, a large volume of rice straw is burned in the field. Therefore, we add value to rice straw by converting it into activated biochar and utilizing it to remove toxic metals from natural water. In this work, single-step physical activation (CO2 and H2O) of rice straw was planned and optimized the activation process parameters to get better biochar yield and surface area. The biochar activation parameters were optimized using the central composite design method. The CO2 activated biochar has an optimum surface area and product yield of 399.99 m2/g and 26.79 %, whereas H2O activated biochar has an optimum product yield and surface area of 31.53 % and 300 m2/g. The SEM analysis shows that CO2 activated biochar has a more uniform porous structure than H2O activated biochar. Cost analysis revealed that CO2 and H2O activated biochar had a lower manufacturing cost of 1.287 and 1.672 U.S. $/kg, respectively compared to other adsorbents. Arsenic and manganese removal efficiency in natural water was found to be greater than 95 % for both activated biochar.

Recovery of carbon from rice straw for production of high-value products by Chlorella sorokiniana TH01 through mixotrophic cultivation

Rice straw is an abundant agricultural by-product in Viet Nam. Rice straw mainly contains carbohydrate (e.g., hemicellulose and cellulose), an abundant carbon source for biological production of high-value products, which is being used for animal feeding, burning or disposal in most suburban and rural areas of Viet Nam. The treatment of rice straw by burning and/or disposal has caused environmental pollution due to emission of greenhouse gases (e.g., CO2, CH4), toxic gases (CO, SOx, NOx) and dust. It is critical to apply technological measures replacing the traditional method to sustainably treat the huge volume of rice straw. In this study, rice straw carbohydrate was transformed to sugar-rich hydrolysate via a different chemical and enzymatic treatment methods for cultivation of Chlorella sorokiniana TH01 to produce lutein, lipid and protein. Data showed that the combined treatment of NaOH/H2SO4/Enzyme resulted in the maximal glucose and xylose hydrolysis efficiency of 96.32% and 93.43%, respectively. C. sorokiniana TH01 displayed the best growth in the hydrolysate with initial sugar concentration of 15 g/L diluted in BG-11 medium, achieving the maximal biomass concentration of 6.5 g/L (biomass yield of 0.44 g DCW/g substrate). Lutein, lipid, carbohydrate and protein contents were determined as 7.2, 350, 220 and 260 mg/g biomass, respectively. The sugar utilization efficiency by C. sorokiniana TH01 was determined as 94.67%. C. sorokiniana TH01 exhibited a promising capability in recovery of carbon from rice straw for production of high-value multiple commercial products, keeping rice straw in a circular economy and finally reaching a carbon-neutral process.

Experimental Investigation on Environmentally Sustainable Cement Composites Based on Wheat Straw and Perlite.

Environmentally sustainable cement mortars containing wheat straw (Southern Italy, Apulia region) of different length and dosage and perlite beads as aggregates were prepared and characterised by rheological, thermal, acoustic, mechanical, optical and microstructural tests. A complete replacement of the conventional sand was carried out. Composites with bare straw (S), perlite (P), and with a mixture of inorganic and organic aggregates (P/S), were characterised and compared with the properties of conventional sand mortar. It was observed that the straw fresh composites showed a decrease in workability with fibre length decrease and with increase in straw volume, while the conglomerates with bare perlite, and with the aggregate mixture, showed similar consistency to the control. The thermal insulation of the straw mortars was extremely high compared to the sand reference (85–90%), as was the acoustic absorption, especially in the 500–1000 Hz range. These results were attributed to the high porosity of these composites and showed enhancement of these properties with decrease in straw length and increase in straw volume. The bare perlite sample showed the lowest thermal insulation and acoustic absorption, being less porous than the former composites, while intermediate values were obtained with the P/S samples. The mechanical performance of the straw composites increased with length of the fibres and decreased with fibre dosage. The addition of expanded perlite to the mixture produced mortars with an improvement in mechanical strength and negligible modification of thermal properties. Straw mortars showed discrete cracks after failure, without separation of the two parts of the specimens, due to the aggregate tensile strength which influenced the impact compression tests. Preliminary observations of the stability of the mortars showed that, more than one year from preparation, the conglomerates did not show detectable signs of degradation.

The study on the proposal an integrated ecological model directed to zero emissions of households whose livelihood is planted rice in the Mekong delta

The research has proposed the model of integrated farming production towards zero - emissions based on the foundation of rice farming cultivation. The model of application of ecological solutions, the turnaround, and self-contained energy flow solutions with taking advantage of the existing ecological and environmental conditions of the locality help to maintain livelihoods for the people. Model of a typical application for the household cluster in Dinh Thanh, Thoai Son, An Giang province. The result shows that a straw volume used for the planting of straw mushrooms brings new sources of income to increase the 7.000.000 VND mushroom crop in 40 days, in addition, the rotting medium for growing straw mushrooms, which can be used the flowers to bring effectively revenues in the idle time. At the same time, 2m3/day of livestock and wastewater is processed and reused for agriculture, 39.065,31 tons/year collected in the form of biological gases serving cooking and the amount of straw 6-7 tons of straw/ha is reused by producing Biochar for agriculture, improve the land, improve the efficiency of fertilizer use for households to ensure the requirements of environmental protection, reduce the dependence of existing livelihoods on external factors such as prices, food, human,…. After using Biochar combined with manure for rice fields, helping people reduce 50% of the cost of using chemical fertilizers/ha, equivalent to 5,000,000 VND/ha. This can be seen as the best-integrated model for households whóe the main inheritance is rice cultivation combining livestock, the ability to apply long-term and can easily develop on a wide area, as well as increasing the likelihood of linking for many households to create mutual support in the case of a residential cluster with other livelihood activities besides rice cultivation.

Development of a programmable freezing technique on larval cryopreservation in Mytilus galloprovincialis

This study investigated the factors important to the development of a programmable larval cryopreservation technique in Mytilus galloprovinvialis, including (1) larval developmental stages; (2) cryoprotectant agents (CPAs); (3) thawing temperatures; (4) sucrose concentrations to remove CPA after thawing and (5) straw volumes, using D-larval rate as the post-thaw survival indicator. The results showed that larvae at 25 h post-fertilization (PF) had the highest resistance to cryopreservation. A post-thaw D-larval rate higher than 80% was achieved when the larvae were cryopreserved with 10% ethylene glycol +7.5% Ficoll +0.2% polyvinylpyrrolidone, thawed at 28 °C and used 9% sucrose solution as the medium to remove CPA after thawing. No significant difference in post-thaw D-larval rates (P > 0.05) was found between larvae cryopreserved in 0.25 mL and 0.5 mL straws. The performance comparison experiment showed that although a significantly lower survival rate (P < 0.05) was found in cryopreserved larvae than that in fresh larvae at day 2 PF (D larvae), no significant difference (P > 0.05) was shown on relative mortality rate from day 8 PF (early umbonal larvae) to day 32 PF (spat) and on shell length at day 8 PF and day 32 PF between fresh and cryopreserved larvae. Therefore, the larval cryopreservation technique developed in this study would enhance the breeding program and all year-round hatchery production in this species.

Straw Stocks as a Source of Renewable Energy. A Case Study of a District in Poland

Biomass is playing an increasingly important role as a source of renewable energy. The aim of this study has been to identify the potential applicability of straw from agricultural crops to generate energy within the district of Braniewo, in the province Warmia and Mazury, Poland. The study covered the years 2015 to 2017. Based on statistical data, and using appropriate equations and norms, the structure of crop production and the number of livestock in the mentioned district were analysed; the potential production volume of straw was estimated, from which the amount needed for animal production (feed and bedding) was deducted, while the organic substance balance in soil was calculated. An annual average amount of straw remaining to be used for energy purposes in the district of Braniewo is about 41,531 t of straw, equivalent to about 60,222 GJ of energy (24,088 t of coal). In addition to the above analyses, a survey was conducted among local farmers, which showed their opinions about barriers to and opportunities for growing crops for energy purposes and using renewable energy resources. The survey results justify the claim that there is certain potential among farmers in the district of Braniewo to grow crops for energy purposes.

Energy Utilization Potential of Wheat Straw in an Ecological Balance—A Case Study of Henan Province in China

Minimum volume of straw should be retained in collecting wheat straw in order to obtain sustainable agricultural biomass energy and measure the energy utilization potential of wheat straw when considering ecological balance. Based on relevant literature, this paper calculates the minimum, medium, and maximum volume of wheat straw retention in various types of soil and designs three different scenarios of minimum, medium, and maximum wheat straw retention. Taking Henan province in China as a case, this paper calculates the potential of wheat straw for energy utilization using linear regression method and scenario analysis, with consideration of influencing factors such as the harvest coefficient and combustion ratio of wheat straw. The results show that the energy utilization potential of wheat straw in Henan province in 2020, 2030, 2050 are 13.77, 16.48, 22.54 million tons of coal equivalent (TCEs), respectively, in the minimum retention scenario, assuming that wheat straw is not directly used for combustion. Excessive straw left in the field causes resource waste and produces CH4 and other greenhouse gases. This paper finds that energy potential of wheat straw for energy utilization is limited when ecological balance is considered, however, it is beneficial to the sustainable development of crop biomass energy.

Swallowing thin liquids from the rim of the cup and through the straw in healthy geriatrics

Context: Literature suggests geriatrics with swallowing difficulty to use straw as a compensatory strategy to drink thin liquids. However, in India, drinking through the straw is traditionally not etiquette of dining and in our observation this practice is changing. Aim: This study aimed to measure the swallowing of thin liquids through the straw in healthy elderly adults (HEAs). Settings and Design: A crossover comparative design with nonrandom sampling was adopted. Subjects and Methods: Fifty volunteers (25 healthy young adults [HYAs] and 25 HEAs) consumed 100 ml lukewarm water from two medium: (a) rim of the cup and (b) through the straw, across four different straw capacities. Swallowing performance was measured by volume/swallow, time/swallow, and swallow capacity. Statistical Analysis Used: Descriptive statistics along with repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) and multivariate ANOVA test were administered on the data. Results: Results revealed HYAs swallowing from rim of the cup to be better than elderly participants that yielded increased volume/swallow. Likewise, in through the straw condition, healthy elderly participants had better swallowing performance. The study also highlights an inverse relationship between straw length and volume. Conclusions: The conclusion drawn is using straw results in decreased swallowing performance and this can be an effective strategy to improve thin liquid swallowing in healthy elders.

Effects of combined pretreatment with rod-milled and torrefaction on physicochemical and fuel characteristics of wheat straw

The mechanism of rod-milling combined with torrefaction as well as its effects on physicochemical and fuel properties of wheat straw were investigated. Rod-milling and hammer-milling samples were torrefied under three temperatures (250, 275, and 300 °C) with a duration time of 30 min. The results indicated that combined rod-milling and torrefaction pretreatment (CRT) significantly elevated carbon content, higher heating value, fuel ratio, and reduced oxygen content and atomic H/C and O/C ratios in wheat straw. Moreover, CRT significantly reduced cellulose crystallinity, and increased the specific surface area and pore volume of wheat straw, which lowered the wheat straw’s degrading pyrolysis temperature. These peak values appeared under 300 °C. Devolatilization index (Di) was improved by rod-milling pretreatment under identical torrefaction conditions except 275 °C. Therefore, the combination of rod-milling with torrefaction under 300 °C has the advantage of enhancing fuel properties of lignocellulosic biomass materials.

Standardization of spermatozoa concentration for cryopreservation of rainbow trout semen using a glucose-methanol extender

Determination of exact sperm concentrations in straws is necessary for standardizing protocols of fish cryopreservation. The aim of this study was to test the effect of final sperm concentration in straws on the post-thaw quality of rainbow trout semen in conditions of constant cryoprotectant concentration (0.15M glucose and 7.5% methanol). In addition, the utility of 0.5-ml (at two different thawing times of 10s and 13s) and 0.25-ml straws for the cryopreservation of rainbow trout semen was tested. A shorter thawing time (10s) of rainbow trout semen cryopreserved in 0.5-ml straws significantly improved the motility of sperm in thawed semen (62.7±5.0%) compared to a 13-s thawing time (57.4±9.4%). Dilution of semen to sperm concentrations of 0.5–1.0×109 spermatozoa ml−1 and cryopreservation in 0.5-ml straws resulted in higher sperm motility (60, 62 and 66% for 0.5; 0.75 and 1.0×109 sperm ml−1, respectively) in comparison to 0.25-ml straws containing the same sperm concentrations (43, 48 and 46%, respectively). However, sperm motility was reduced to similar values in semen thawed from 0.25-ml and 0.5-ml straws containing higher final sperm concentrations of 2.0–3.0×109 spermatozoa ml−1. Our results clearly demonstrate that cryopreserved sperm quality is related to final sperm concentration and straw volume. This study establishes a detailed and practical procedure for rainbow trout sperm cryopreservation using 0.5-ml straws and adjusting sperm concentrations in the straw to 0.5–1.0×109 spermatozoa ml−1, while maintaining constant concentrations of cryoprotectant.

Effect of Different Straw Volumes and Thawing Rates on Post-Thaw Quality and Fertilization Ability of Cryopreserved Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio) Sperm

Cryopreservation of sperm cells is an essential process applied for long-term conservation of aquatic genetic resources. The goal of this research was to determine effect different of straws volumes and thawing rates on the post-thaw quality and fertilization ability of cryopreserved common carp ( Cyprinus carpio ) sperm. In this study, semen was cryopreserved according to conventional slow freezing protocol. For this aim, the cryosolution contained 75 mM NaCl, 70 mM KCl, 2 mM CaCl 2 , 1 mM MgSO 4 and 20 mM Tris (pH: 8) supplemented with 10% MeOH. Following equilibration at +4°C for 10 min, semen was packed into 0.25, 0.5 and 1.5 mL straws and frozen in liquid nitrogen vapour (for 10 min at -120ºC) and finally stored in liquid nitrogen (-196ºC) tank. Thawing of cryopreserved semen process was performed at 30ºC for 10, 20 and 30 seconds in a water bath. Fertilization was performed using ratio of 1x10 5 spermatozoa/egg. The highest fertility (68.4±2.5%) was determined with cryopreserved sperm packed in 1.5 mL straws that thawed at 30ºC for 30 s. According to the results of this research, sperm cryopreserved with ionic extender containing 10% methanol and packed in 1.5 mL straws are suitable to achieve high fertilization of common carp eggs.

Batch and continuous biogas production arising from feed varying in rice straw volumes following pre-treatment with extrusion

This paper studies the synergistic effects on biogas production obtained when different feedstocks are co-digested with varying proportions of rice straw and explores their behavior at the laboratory scale in continuously stirred digesters. Evaluative measures included methane production, volatile solids degradation, ash accumulation, and extrusion effectiveness. The effect of extrusion on the production of energy was also investigated. Results indicated that continuous stirred digesters fed with substrates composed of 10% or 30% of ensiled rice straw (on total FM) produced 146.1 and 140.0lNCH4kgDM−1day−1, respectively. When extrusion was employed, organic matter degradation was promoted and methane production was significantly raised—by as much as 16%. For the feeds containing 10% rice straw, the increase in obtained energy was higher than the energy needed for the extrusion, but the energy balance was close to zero when the percentage of rice straw was the 30% of the feed.

Decomposição e liberação de macronutrientes da palhada de milho e braquiária, sob integração lavoura-pecuária no cerrado baiano

O conhecimento da dinâmica de decomposição e liberação de nutrientes em sistemas de produção é de grande importância para o manejo da fertilidade do solo e para a economia de recursos. Dessa forma, foi conduzido um experimento em solo de Cerrado do oeste baiano com o objetivo de estudar a decomposição e liberação de macronutrientes da palhada de milho mais Brachiaria ruziziensis , sob sistema de integração lavoura-pecuária (ILP). As avaliações foram realizadas por meio de litterbags coletadas aos 0, 15, 40, 110, 170 e 220 dias após a dessecação da palhada, que ocorreu em outubro de 2008. A matéria seca total inicial foi de aproximadamente 6,6 Mg ha-1, com meia-vida de 115 dias. A liberação de nutrientes desse volume de palhada, com o respectivo percentual em relação à quantidade total de nutrientes acumulada na planta, até o final das avaliações foi de 29,3 (62 %); 7,8 (80 %); 42,2 (94 %); 48,6 (74 %); 17,0 (81 %); e 7,7 (79 %) kg ha-1 de N, P, K, Ca, Mg e S, respectivamente. Esses resultados auxiliam o manejo da adubação das culturas e se traduz em economia de recursos. Como exemplo e transformando-se as quantidades de nutrientes liberadas até os 110 dias, período de certa coincidência com o florescimento da cultura sucessora principal, pelos três principais macronutrientes (N, P e K) em quantidade de adubos, ter-se-ia uma economia de R$ 243,00 ha-1.

The Research of Test on Stress-Strain Constitutive Relations of Straw Concrete

As a new green building material, straw concrete are introduced about its mechanical properties and characteristics. Mechanical properties test such as prism compressive strength, elastic modulus and Poisson's ratios use standard prismatic blocks. Under different rate of corn straw, cement, sand and fly ash, test gets the full stress-strain curve. Results show that with increase of volume of corn straw, the prism compressive strength reduces significantly. Comparing with natural concrete, elastic modulus of straw concrete can reduces greatly. Poisson’s ratio reduces with increase of volume of corn straw. Fly ash could improve property of the material and replace cement, but excessive replacement will reduce the strength of material.

Safety assessment of transportation and interim storage of rice straw contaminated by radioactive cesium due to the severe accident at the Fukushima Nuclear Plant

*Radioactive cesium in the rice straw was detected to be maximum value of 690,000Bq/kg after the severe accident of Fukushima Nuclear Plant. The straw was distributed to the market to feed beef cattle. The radiation exposure dose for the dairy farmer should be decreased based on prompt and suitable treatment such as moving and storage of contaminated straw. In order to provide the Japanese government with the technical information of the treatment, dose analyses for the scenarios on transportation and interim storage of contaminated straw were conducted in this study. As a result for transportation scenario, in the case of radioactive cesium concentration of 700,000Bq/kg, the annual dose for the transportation worker from remote place is calculated to be 1.3mSv/y, exceeding effective dose criterion of 1mSv/y for a worker. Therefore, it is suggested that the worker needs the measures to decrease the dose for the dominant external exposure pathway, namely, limiting transit time, reducing the straw volume and utilizing radiation shielding materials. The calculated results for interim storage scenario indicate that the distance to suppress the dose for an outside worker within 1mSv/y is 10m for 100,000Bq/kg and 30m for 500,000Bq/kg and 700,000Bq/kg.

Residual biomass potential of commercial and pre-commercial sugarcane cultivars

Sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) is an efficient and sustainable alternative for energy generation compared to non-renewable sources. Currently, during the mechanized harvest process, the straw left in the field can be used in part for the second generation ethanol and increasing the electric energy production. Thus, this study aimed to provide information on the potential for residual biomass cultivars of sugarcane cropping system. This study provides the following information: yield of straw, depending on the calculated leaf area index and the number of tillers per linear meter; primary energy production of several sugarcane genotypes; contribution of dry tops and leaves; biomass yield; and evaluation of fiber, cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin. Preliminary results obtained by researchers of the State of São Paulo, Brazil, and reCviews related studies are presented. The results suggest that the production of sugarcane straw content varies according to the cultivars; the greater mass of sugarcane straw is in the top leaves and that the potential for the crude energy production of sugarcane per area unit can be increased using fiber-rich species or species that produce more straw. The straw indexes was shown to be a good indicator and allow the estimation of straw volumes generated in a sugarcane crop. The cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin composition in sugarcane is distinct among varieties. Therefore, it is possible to develop distinct biomass materials for energy production and for the development of sugarcane mills using biochemical processes and thermal routes.

Significantly enhancing enzymatic hydrolysis of rice straw after pretreatment using renewable ionic liquid–water mixtures

Pretreatment of rice straw by using renewable cholinium lysine ionic liquid ([Ch][Lys] IL)-water mixtures and subsequent enzymatic hydrolysis of the residues were conducted in this work. There is a clear correlation between the delignification capacity of the pretreatment solvent and its basicity. After pretreatment, surface area and pore volume of rice straw increased significantly, which substantially improved polysaccharides accessibility to enzymes and thus enhanced polysaccharides digestion. By carefully controlling the pretreatment severity (IL content, temperature and duration), loss of readily extractable xylan could be minimized. The sugar yields of 81% for glucose and 48% for xylose were achieved in the enzymatic hydrolysis of rice straw after pretreatment with 20% [Ch][Lys]-water mixture at 90°C for 1h. This pretreatment process is highly promising for industrial application because of high sugar yields, low energy input, short pretreatment time, and being environmentally benign and highly tolerant to moisture.