Sugarcane Trash Research Articles

Co-Composting Urban Waste, Plant Residues, and Rock Phosphate: Biochemical Characterization and Evaluation of Compost Maturity

ABSTRACTCo-composting of urban wastes (UWs) and plant residues with rock phosphate (RP) produces quality compost and reduces the use of chemical phosphorus fertilizer. Biochemical process of three compost piles (P): P1- 50% UW + 30% rice straw (RS) + 10% sawdust (SD) + 8% RP + 2% sugarcane trash (ST), P2- 50% UW + 23% RS + 10% SD + 15% mustard oil cake + 2% ST, and P3- 95% UW + 5% RP was studied. Decomposition rate followed first-order kinetics and maximum (77%) was in P3. The highest bacterial population was found in P2 having higher cumulative CO2 evolution (53.76 mg CO2 g−1 volume solid). Prevalence of phosphate-solubilizing bacteria was 2.0 to 6.3 Log10 Cfu g−1 dry weight and concentrated in RP-amended piles. Humic acid of compost was classified as rotteprudukte. Final pH (7.5 to 8.0) and germination index (>90) proved that the compost was mature. P3 compost (1 t ha−1, fresh weight) had potential to supply 25 kg phosphorus.

Study of Oyster Mushroom cultivation (Pleurotus flabellatus & Pleurotus sajor-caju) on different substrates and economics

Pleurotus flabellatus and Pleurotus sajor-caju were cultivated on different plant substrates as the former species fruits well at 18–28°C and the later species at 10–20°C. Plant wastes or substrate viz. Paddy straw, Wheat straw, Barley straw, Sugarcane trash, Gram kernel and Lentil kernel were tried as alternative substrates for the cultivation of Pleurotus flabellatus, and Pleurotus sajor-caju. Biological efficiency (BE) obtained from each substrate was more than 90%. The highest yield of P. flabellatus (1120g/1000 g dry substrate, BE 112%) and highest yield of P. sajorcaju (1320g/1000g dry substrate, BE 132%). was obtained from paddy straw substrate. Wheat straw, Barely straw, Sugarcne bagasses, Gram kernel and Lentil kernel proved to be good substrate for mushroom cultivation. Economic profitability analysis showed that Pleurotus mushroom cultivation was income-generation entrepreneurship that farmers and unemployed youth can easily adopt. A profit of 156.1 to 264.1% was recorded when 80% of the experimented yield was taken into account. A profit of more than 100% achieved even from the pessimistic yield (60% of the experimental yield).

Constraints in Sugarcane Trash Utilization in Tiruchirappalli district of Tamilnadu

Constraints in Sugarcane Trash Utilization in Tiruchirappalli district of Tamilnadu

Effect of citric acid leaching on the demineralization and thermal degradation behavior of sugarcane trash and bagasse

The effect of leaching with citric acid on the ash fraction removed and the resulting changes in thermal degradation behavior of sugarcane trash (SCT) and sugarcane bagasse (SCB), was studied. A comparison between citric acid and well-known leaching agents including H2SO4, HCl and water, was made considering their effects on chemical, structural and thermal properties of the leached SCT and SCB. Demineralization and potential biomass hydrolysis was evaluated based on proximate and elemental analyses, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR-ATR) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). For citric acid and the reference leaching solutions, the mass fraction of ash removed was in a narrow range (between 38.9 and 54.1%) regardless of biomass type and leaching conditions (temperature and time) tested. The nonparametric bifactorial analysis of results revealed that the nature of leaching solution and its interaction with contact time are of major significance when demineralizing both SCT and SCB. Interestingly, no significance of temperature and its interaction with contact time was found. In acid-treated samples, the 1730 cm−1 IR-band was sharpened while the signal at 1600 cm−1 was largely attenuated, which could be attributed to the modification of the xylan fraction and to the substitution of C=O by OH groups. These mild structural changes, caused by hydrolysis, demonstrated to be very important for subsequent thermal degradation. The later was confirmed by the disappearance of the hemicellulose decomposition peak in the derivative thermogravimetric (DTG) curve.

Effect of raw and post bio-methanated spent wash bio-compost on the growth, yield quality of seasonal sugarcane chemical properties of sodic soil

A field experiment was conducted at Post Graduate Institute, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth Rahuri, dist-Ahmednagar ( M.S.) with raw and post bio-methanated spent wash for preparation of bio-compost from the different organic sources like press mud cake, baggasse, sugarcane trash, farm waste like pearl millet straw, chickpea straw and wheat cut straw etc. and seasonal sugarcane crop ( Saccharum officinarum ) variety Co 86032 was planted with sixteen treatments, three replications in sodic soil. Absolute control, farm yard manure and vermicompost treatments were taken for comparison with bio-composts. The growth parameters like height of the plant, girth of the stem, number of tillers etc. as well as yield , quality of sugarcane and soil chemical properties etc. were found significantly higher in the post bio-methanated bio-compost treatment as compared to the raw spent wash bio-compost treatment under sodic soil condition.

Optimizing urease inhibitor usage to reduce ammonia emission following urea application over crop residues

Abstract Nitrogen loss as ammonia (NH3) is a major problem when urea is topdressed over crop residues. The treatment of urea with N-(n-butyl) thiophosphoric triamide (NBPT) temporarily inhibits urease activity and reduces NH3 volatilization loss under many agro­ecological conditions. However, the amount of straw on the soil in green sugarcane trash blanketing (GCTB) systems affects the success of NBPT in reducing NH3 loss. We hypothesized that an increase in the NBPT concentration in urea above the current level (530 mg NBPT kg−1 urea) in Brazil is necessary to reduce the NH3 volatilization and to improve the efficiency of urea in GCTB systems. We evaluated the NH3 loss from urea treated with NBPT under field conditions in GCTB systems. Six field trials were conducted across the State of Sao Paulo, the main sugarcane-growing region in Brazil. The treatments were urea, ammonium nitrate, urea treated with NBPT at concentrations of 530, 850, 1500, and 2000 mg kg−1, and a control plot without N fertilizer. The amount of volatized NH3 was assessed through a closed semi-static collector containing two acid-trap foam disks, and analyzed by colorimetry using flow injection analysis. NBPT concentrations above 530 mg kg−1 delayed the time of maximum rate of loss and also reduced cumulative NH3 loss. Ammonia emissions were linearly reduced with increasing NBPT concentrations until 1000 mg kg−1. Any further increase in the NBPT concentration did not result in a substantial reduction of NH3 volatilization. Increasing the NBPT concentration in urea is an effective approach to optimize the adoption of urea-based fertilizers in tropical GCTB systems.

An Investigation on the Nutritional Composition of Pleurotus Platypus and Pleurotus Eous Cultivated on Different Agricultural Substrates.

Edible mushrooms have been a food supplement in various countries and they are cultivated and eaten for their edibility and delicacy. Mushroom had fall between the best vegetables and animal protein source. Because of rich source of protein content it overcomes the malnutrition. Mushrooms are considered as a distinctive food since the beginning of human evolution. As a fruit body of an edible white rot fungus, oyster mushroom belongs to Pleurotus, Pleurotaceae, Agaricales and Basidiomycota. Two species (Pleurotus platypus and Pleurotus eous) of oyster mushroom were grown on different substrates like Paddy straw, Black gram waste, Teak leaves, Banana leaves and Sugarcane trash. The biochemical analysis confirms that the protein, carbohydrates, fiber, fat, moisture, energy, Vitamin – C, in fresh Pleurotus eous and Pleurotus platypus were found to be altered by the substrates. In the present investigation, the nutrient contents were maximum in Pleurotus eous and Pleurotus platypus when the paddy straw was used as a substrate.

Sugarcane trash for energy purposes: Storage time and particle size can improve the quality of biomass for fuel?

In sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) plantations, it was common to use fire to facilitate the cutting and harvesting of the sugarcane crop. The largest sugarcane producing state in Brazil is São Paulo, which has a planted area of about 4.7 million hectares. In the state of São Paulo law 11241/02 provides for the gradual elimination of the burning of sugarcane trash. It is estimated that one hectare produces about 14 tons of trash. The mills are trying to incorporate this trash with bagasse for power generation. The high concentration of mineral impurities is a problem in its use for energy purposes. The aim of the study was to investigate the influence of storage time and particle size on the physicochemical characterization of the sugarcane trash. The treatments were based on: the position of the bale (inner and surface), the storage time (0, 1 and 2 years) and the particle size (>0.420mm, 0.250–0.420mm, <0.250mm and mix), totaling 24 treatments. The performed analyses were particle size distribution, proximate analysis, the higher heating value (HHV), the chemical analysis of the components of the ashes by Wavelength Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (WDXRF) and the Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) images. There were variations in the results of the ash content with different particle sizes. A higher concentration of mineral impurities in smaller particles (<0.250mm) was observed. The HHV varied from 15.9 to 18.3MJkg−1 and showed no statistical difference between the treatments. The results indicate that the sugarcane trash presents problems related to mineral impurities which constrain its use as a solid fuel in industry. The particle size interferes in its physicochemical characteristics. The trash can be stored in the field and did not affect the quality for use as a solid biofuel.

Energy potential of sugarcane biomass: an application of optimal location modeling

Bagasse and trash (leaves left in the field), two sugarcane processing byproducts, are underexploited resources that can be used to provide energy. In Brazil, the development of this readily available lignocellulose biomass as feedstock for energy production would diversify the country’s energy matrix and increase its energy security. This study is intended to identify and quantify the energy potential of sugarcane biomass in the forms of bagasse and trash, determine the optimal allocation of these byproducts as energy producers, and identify advantageous locations for biomass electrical generation and cellulosic ethanol production in Brazil’s Centre-South. Two scenarios were created and analyzed using a model built to evaluate the potential economic value of sugarcane bagasse and trash from the perspective of energy output. The scenarios incorporate alternative input mixes, plant locations, and time frames. Scenario 1 is designed to define the optimal allocation of bagasse and trash from the 2013/14 harvest season while Scenario 2 is designed to define the optimal allocation of this biomass from 2021 thru 2025. Using Scenario 1 parameters, cellulosic ethanol production was not advised and a negligible number of new or expanded generation facilities were recommended. Interestingly, there was found to be potential for the production of almost twice as much exportable electricity, 40,000 GWh, as was actually produced. Using Scenario 2 parameters, it was found that annual profit maximization would come from the production of approximately 9 mn m3 of cellulosic ethanol from 68 new refinery facilities and that 36,000 GWh of exportable electricity should be generated.

Utilization of unconventional sugarcane trash as feed in Narisuwarna X Kenguri sheep

Utilization of unconventional sugarcane trash as feed in Narisuwarna X Kenguri sheep

Erratum to: Assessing dilute acid pretreatment of different lignocellulosic biomasses for enhanced sugar production

In this study, dilute acid pretreatment of five biomass feedstocks viz., sugarcane trash, sugarcane bagasse, rice straw, corn stover and palm empty fruit bunch were compared at a given combined severity factor (CSF) range of 1.4–3.2 and were characterised using an alternative Simons’ staining dye—Direct Yellow 11 fraction (DY 11, molecular weight >100,000) to better understand the correlations of pretreatment effectiveness with biomass physicochemical properties and pretreatment conditions. Good polynomial correlations (n = 2) of CSF were obtained with hemicellulose removal, cellulose digestibility and glucose yield resulting in R2 > 0.95. The results show that the total contents of extractives and ash have negative impacts on dilute acid pretreatment. Simons’ staining results show that DY 11 can also be used to estimate cellulose accessibility to cellulase enzymes. Good linear correlations of maximum adsorption capacity of DY 11 with CSF (R2 = 0.87–0.99) and cellulose digestibility (R2 = 0.91–0.99) were observed for most of the pretreated biomass samples.

Single-step microwave-assisted hot water extraction of hemicelluloses from selected lignocellulosic materials – A biorefinery approach

The viability of single-step microwave-induced pressurized hot water conditions for co-production of xylan-based biopolymers and bioethanol from aspenwood sawdust and sugarcane trash was investigated. Extraction of hemicelluloses was conducted using microwave-assisted pressurized hot water system. The effects of temperature and time on extraction yield and enzymatic digestibility of resulting solids were determined. Temperatures between 170–200°C for aspenwood and 165–195°C for sugarcane trash; retention times between 8–22min for both feedstocks, were selected for optimization purpose. Maximum xylan extraction yields of 66 and 50%, and highest cellulose digestibilities of 78 and 74%, were attained for aspenwood and sugarcane trash respectively. Monomeric xylose yields for both feedstocks were below 7%, showing that the xylan extracts were predominantly in non-monomeric form. Thus, single-step microwave-assisted hot water method is viable biorefinery approach to extract xylan from lignocelluloses while rendering the solid residues sufficiently digestible for ethanol production.

Sugarcane mulch C and N dynamics during decomposition under different rates of trash removal

Abstract Sugarcane is a worldwide crop that leaves a considerable amount of crop residues (called trash) on the soil surface each year after green cane harvesting. However, the recent industrial valorization of these residues raises the question of how much trash to leave as mulch after harvest. Here, we studied the decomposition of three different trash quantities (4, 8 and 12 Mg ha −1 ) across five experimental sites from a subtropical climate over one year. We quantified the dry matter (DM), carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) contents of the remaining mulch at one-month intervals for one year after trash addition at all sites. The chemical composition of the trash was characterized by proximate analysis at one site. Our results showed that mulch degradation was proportional to the initial amount of trash left on the soil surface, i.e., the degradation rates were similar for the three trash treatments at each site, suggesting no limiting factor to decomposition associated with trash quantity and its contact with the soil. On average, 64% of the trash was degraded after 12 months in all treatments, leading to considerable differences in the mass of C degraded after one year (1.2 ± 0.1, 2.3 ± 0.2 and 3.5 ± 0.3 Mg ha −1 for the 4, 8 and 12 Mg ha −1 treatments, respectively). An interaction between trash quantity and site was observed, which translated into more differences in the C degradation rates between sites for the 4 Mg ha −1 trash treatment. The N content of the remaining mulch was rather stable throughout the year, which indicated the efficient use and recycling of N by the decomposing microflora during trash decomposition. These results will help determine the amount of sugarcane trash that should be left on fields to preserve soil C and soil fertility.

Performance evaluation of machinery for sugarcane handling and trash management

The sugarcane cultivation and sugar industry in India plays a vital role towards socio-economic development in the rural areas by mobilizing rural resources and generating higher income and employment opportunities. About 7.5 per cent of the rural population, covering about 45 million sugarcane farmers, their dependents and a large number of agricultural labour are involved in sugarcane cultivation, harvesting and ancillary activities. There are about nine States in India where sugarcane is grown on a large extent of area. There are a number of varieties that are grown in India depending on the suitability of the soil. The area, output and yield and sugarcane cultivation is subjected to fluctuate in response to policies of the government and also conditions of cultivation. Sugarcane is a labour intensive crop and shortage of labour and unavailability of labour at reasonable rate is the major concern in sugarcane cultivation. To combat the paucity of labour, mechanized sugarcane cultivation is the only option to carry out all the operations in time. The next phase of revolution in Indian agriculture is bound to come through the use of improved agricultural machinery suiting to local conditions. The performance evaluation of sugarcane handling equipments like tractor front mounted sugarcane loader, tractor operated sugarcane billets collector cum unloader and tractor PTO operated sugarcane trash shredder were conducted at Farm Machinery Testing Centre, CCSHAU, Hisar and the performance has been found to be satisfactory. Concerted efforts are required to formulate a strategy for mechanising sugarcane production in India with the sole aim of increasing production and productivity per unit time, area and input at reduced cost of unit operation to survive in the highly competitive international sugar market.

Analysis for Possibilities of Energy Resources from Sugarcane Trash

Analysis for Possibilities of Energy Resources from Sugarcane Trash

Comparison of Energy Estimates of Mixed Diets Obtained from RIVIGPT and In-vivo Digestibility Trial in NariSuwarna X Kenguri F1 Sheep

To compare the energy estimates of mixed diets obtained from rumen in vitro incubation for gas production (RIVIGP) and digestion trial (DT) in NariSuwarna X Kenguri F1 sheep, twenty four sheep were divided into six groups of five each. Six mixed diets were prepared by using sugarcane trash and concentrate feed mixture in the ratio of T-1 80:20, T-2 70:30, T-3 60:40, T-4 50:50, T-5 40:60 and T-6 30:70. The feeding trial was carried out for the duration of six weeks with an adjustment period of five weeks and collection period of one week. The metabolisable energy (ME, MJ kg-1 DM) content of diets at maintenance level of intake obtained by DT for diets-1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 were 6.7, 6.9, 7.4, 7.2, 7.8 and 9.4 respectively. The corresponding ME values obtained from RIVIGP were 5.3, 5.9, 6.2, 7.5, 8.6 and 9.4 respectively. The difference between the ME obtained from DT (digestion trial) and ME predicted from RIVIGPT was found to be 10.7 per cent. The mean ME output (Maintenance + weight gain) for the diets-1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 were 6.37, 6.34, 7.38, 7.70, 8.06 and 8.27 respectively. The ME intake estimated from ME obtained from DT and RIVIGP for the diets-1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 were 4.91 and 3.79, 5.02 and 4.22, 7.63 and 6.46, 7.74 and 8.13, 8.76 and 9.81, 11.42 and 11.85 respectively. Hence, the observed performance of NariSuwarna x Kenguri F1 sheep expressed in terms of the total ME output was accountable to the extent of 97.0 and 99.6% of ME intake estimates obtained from ME values derived by DT and RIVIGP respectively.

Effect of Mixing Ratio and Pelleting Speed on Physical and Mechanical Properties of Biomass Pellets from Sugarcane Trash

Effect of Mixing Ratio and Pelleting Speed on Physical and Mechanical Properties of Biomass Pellets from Sugarcane Trash

Management of Agroindustrial Lignocellulosic Wastes through Vermitechnology and Production of Agronomic Valid Vermicompost

We aimed to recycle the agroindustrial waste resources - pressmud(PM), sugarcane trash (ST) and biomethanated distillery effluent(BE) and produced agronomic valid vermicompost using earthworm, Perionyx excavatus for maintaining natural soil organic and sustainable agricultural activity. Therefore, a series of studies were carried out to convert PM-ST-BE in different proportion vermibeds (T1-1000g PM+0g ST+790ml BE), (T2- 900g PM+100g ST+740ml BE), (T3-800g PM+200g ST+696ml BE), (T4-700g PM +300g ST+655ml BE), (T5-600g PM+400g ST+625ml BE) and (T6-500g PM+500g ST+542ml BE) into vermicompost. The study was to examine the activity of earthworm- growth, reproduction, vermicompost recovery and its nutrient status. The pronounced and better worm activity was found in all vermibeds, especially more in T1 and T3 vermibeds followed by others. This seems to be due to rich cellulose, OC, N, P, microbial activity, enhanced water holding capacity and palatability of the substrates. Enhanced microbial activity, humic acid content, NPK, normalized pH, declined OC, C-N, and C-P ratio, lignin, cellulose, hemicellulose and phenol in vermicompost than normal compost and control. The increased microbial-enzymatic activities contribute an increase in nutrients through nitrification, phosphate solubilization and mineralization. Reduction of OC, C-N, C-P ratio, lignin, cellulose, hemicellulose and phenol in the vermicompost are due to combined action of gut microflaura and earthworm during the vermicomposting process and utilization of these contents by the worm for their growth and reproduction. Finally, our study recommended for the production and application of vermifertilizer from lignocellulosic wastes using vermitechnology for sustainable activity.

Effect of Mixing Ratio and Pelleting Speed on Physical and Mechanical Properties of Biomass Pellets from Sugarcane Trash

Effect of Mixing Ratio and Pelleting Speed on Physical and Mechanical Properties of Biomass Pellets from Sugarcane Trash

Knowledge and adoption of recommended ratoon management practices by the sugarcane growers

The efforts were made to study the knowledge and adoption of ratoon management practices by the sugarcane cultivators from Kolhapur district of Maharashtra. The study was undertaken in purposively selected Karveer tahsil of Kolhapur district of Maharashtra in the year 2008. It is observed that most of the respondents had knowledge in respect of MPKV recommended ratoon management practices like arrangement of sugarcane trash in the furrows (100.00%), stubble shaving (100.00 %), spraying of 0.1 per cent bavistin on stubbles (96.00%), application of decomposing material (86.00 %) and application of 1st dose of chemical fertilizers (92.00%). Adoption of recommended ratoon management practices reveal that level of adoption was less as compared to their level of knowledge.