Rice Straw

The global annual potential bioethanol production from the major crops, corn, barley, oat, rice, wheat, sorghum, and sugar cane, is estimated. To avoid con icts between human food use and industrial use of crops, only the wasted crop, which is deÿned as crop lost in distribution, is considered as feedstock. Lignocellulosic biomass such as crop residues and sugar cane bagasse are included in feedstock for producing bioethanol as well. There are about 73:9 Tg of dry wasted crops in the world that could potentially produce 49:1 GL year −1 of bioethanol. About 1:5 Pg year −1 of dry lignocellulosic biomass from these seven crops is also available for conversion to bioethanol. Lignocellulosic biomass could produce up to 442 GL year −1 of bioethanol. Thus, the total potential bioethanol production from crop residues and wasted crops is 491 GL year −1 , about 16 times higher than the current world ethanol production. The potential bioethanol production could replace 353 GL of gasoline (32% of the global gasoline consumption) when bioethanol is used in E85 fuel for a midsize passenger vehicle. Furthermore, lignin-rich fermentation residue, which is the coproduct of bioethanol made from crop residues and sugar cane bagasse, can potentially generate both 458 TWh of electricity (about 3.6% of world electricity production) and 2:6 EJ of steam. Asia is the largest potential producer of bioethanol from crop residues and wasted crops, and could produce up to 291 GL year −1 of bioethanol. Rice straw, wheat straw, and corn stover are the most favorable bioethanol feedstocks in Asia. The next highest potential region is Europe (69:2 GL of bioethanol), in which most bioethanol comes from wheat straw. Corn stover is the main feedstock in North America, from which about 38:4 GL year −1 of bioethanol can potentially be produced. Globally rice straw can produce 205 GL of bioethanol, which is the largest amount from single biomass feedstock. The next highest potential feedstock is wheat straw, which can produce 104 GL of bioethanol. This paper is intended to give some perspective on the size of the bioethanol feedstock resource, globally and by region, and to summarize relevant data that we believe others will ÿnd useful, for example, those who are interested in producing biobased products such as lactic acid, rather than ethanol, from crops and wastes. The paper does not attempt to indicate how much, if any, of this waste material could actually be converted to bioethanol. ?

The availibility of grass feed as a main source for ruminant feed, can not meeet the demand especially in dry season. Moreover it is worsen by land conversion from grass land into infrastructure purposes. Rice straw which is abundant can be used as a source of high nutritive feed, through several enrichment process. Research result showed that rice straw has to be chopped into 2 -5 cm length to make it increase homogen and the microorganism process. Rice straw structure is fibrous especially dry straw could cause chopped in process rather difficult. Design and development of chopper using vertical blade against straw feeding direction. Result design of chopper consist of 5 main component that are main frame, feeding unit, chopping unit, outlet unit and transmission system. The machine powered by 7.5 Hp diesel engine, having capacity 401.13 kg/hour for dry straw and 1126.06 kg/hour for fresh straw. The average fuel consumption was 1,34 l/hourr, chopped straw length 2 -5 cm, operational cost Rp.61.4/kg has BEP 178.66 hour/year.

In this study, rice straw-wood particle composite boards were manufactured as insulation boards using the method used in the wood-based panel industry. The raw material, rice straw, was chosen because of its availability. The manufacturing parameters were: a specific gravity of 0.4, 0.6, and 0.8, and a rice straw content (10/90, 20/80, and 30/70 weight of rice straw/wood particle) of 10, 20, and 30 wt.%. A commercial urea-formaldehyde adhesive was used as the composite binder, to achieve 140-290 psi of bending modulus of rupture (MOR) with 0.4 specific gravity, 700-900 psi of bending MOR with 0.6 specific gravity, and 1400-2900 psi of bending MOR with a 0.8 specific gravity. All of the composite boards were superior to insulation board in strength. Width and length of the rice straw particle did not affect the bending MOR. The composite boards made from a random cutting of rice straw and wood particles were the best and recommended for manufacturing processes. Sound absorption coefficients of the 0.4 and 0.6 specific gravity boards were higher than the other wood-based materials. The recommended properties of the rice straw-wood particle composite boards are described, to absorb noises, preserve the temperature of indoor living spaces, and to be able to partially or completely substitute for wood particleboard and insulation board in wooden constructions.

Energy GIS Field burning GHG emissions a b s t r a c t Rice is a widely grown crop in the South and South-East Asia that leaves substantial quantity of straw in the field. The aim of this paper is to assess the quantity of rice straw produced, estimate Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions based on its current uses, and assess its possible energy potential and related GHG emissions mitigation potential. Updated statistics on rough rice production are used in this study in combination with the literature values on Straw-to-Grain Ratio (SGR) to quantify the amount of rice straw produced in the three countries of focus. It is estimated that 97.19, 21.86, and 10.68 Mt of rice straw residue are produced in India, Thailand, and the Philippines, respectively. In India, 23% of rice straw residue produced is surplus and is either left in the field as uncollected or to a large extent open-field burnt. About 48% of this residue produced is subjected to open-field burning in Thailand, and in the Philippines it is 95%. The GHG emissions contribution through open-field burning of rice straw in India, Thailand, and the Philippines are 0.05%, 0.18%, and 0.56%, and the mitigated GHG emissions when generated electricity is used would be 0.75%, 1.81%, and 4.31%, respectively, when compared to the total country GHG emissions. (C. Menke), r.wassmann@cgiar.org (R. Wassmann). 1 Tel.: þ66 (0) 8 3993 7478 (mobile). 2 Tel.: þ63 (0) 2 580 5600x2737; fax: þ63 (0) 2 580 5699. A v a i l a b l e a t w w w . s c i e n c e d i r e c t . c o m h t t p : / / w w w . e l s e v i e r . c o m / l o c a t e / b i o m b i o e 0961-9534/$ -see front matter ª b i o m a s s a n d b i o e n e r g y 3 3 ( 2 0 0 9 ) 1 5 3 2 -1 5 4 6

The surplus availability of rice straw, its limited usage, and environmental pollution caused by its ineffi cient burning has fostered research for its valorization to biofuels. This review elucidates the current status of rice straw potential around the globe along with recent advances in revealing the critical factors responsible for its recalcitrance and chemical properties. The role and accumulation of high silica content in rice straw has been elucidated with its impact on enzymatic hydrolysis in a biorefi nery environment. The correlation of different pre-treatment approaches in modifying the physi-ochemical properties of rice straw and improving the enzymatic accessibility has also been discussed. This study highlights new challenges, resolutions, and opportunities for rice straw based biorefi neries.

Oyster mushroom, Pleurotus ostreatus (Jacq.:Fr.) Kumm. ITCC 3308 (collected from Indian Type Culture Collection, IARI, New Delhi, India, 110012) was grown on dry weed plants, Leonotis sp, Sida acuta, Parthenium argentatum, Ageratum conyzoides, Cassia sophera, Tephrosia purpurea and Lantana camara. Leonotis sp. was the best substrate in fruit body production of P. ostreatus when it was mixed with rice straw (1:1, wet wt/wet wt) for mushroom cultivation. The fruiting time for P. ostreatus was also less on Leonotis sp. than on any other weed substrates tested in the present investigation. T. purpurea was the least suited weed for oyster mushroom cultivation. The main problem of oyster mushroom cultivation on weed substrates was found to be low yield in the second Xush that could be overcome by blending weed plants with rice straw. The protein contents of the fruit bodies obtained from Cassia sophera, Parthenium argentatum and Leonotis sp. were not only better than rice straw but also from the rice straw supplemented weeds.

The influence of soda ratio on pulp properties was used as a guideline for calcn. of the min. dose of chems. for producing bleached pulps for writing and printing papers. Pulps obtained by the shortcycle pressure method were compared with those from a pressureless method. The short method produced pulps of higher screened yield, better opacity, brightness stability, and higher bulk more efficiently than the pressureles method. The strength characteristics were approx. the same for the 2 methods. In-creasing the pulping chem. ratio to >9% NaOH did not increase the delignification rate although bleachability was improved by ≤13% NaOH.

Liquid and solid cattle manures are major waste streams in Egypt. The main objective of this research was maximising the net energy production from these wastes by using a solar energy heating system. High concentration of ammonia can strongly affect the gross methane production via inhibition of methanogenesis and reduced hydrolysis. The latter is only limited addressed so far in literature and therefore taken as a second objective of this study.

Paper for coaster of glasses way handmade paper from ricestraw which cooked by coustic process at the open air and room temperature. Cooking way done by using NAOH 5% for 4 hours. The yield way obtained at 65,6%. Handmade papermaking way done at basis weight of 50, 75, 100, 125, 150, 175, and 200 gsm. The result of characterization showed that the best coaster of glasses can be obtained from the basis weight of 175 and 200 gsm.

Various agricultural residues, such as corn fiber, corn stover, wheat straw, rice straw, and sugarcane bagasse, contain about 20-40% hemicellulose, the second most abundant polysaccharide in nature. The conversion of hemicellulose to fuels and chemicals is problematic. In this paper, various pretreatment options as well as enzymatic saccharification of lignocellulosic biomass to fermentable sugars is reviewed. Our research dealing with the pretreatment and enzymatic saccharification of corn fiber and development of novel and improved enzymes such as endo-xylanase, b-xylosidase, and a-L-arabinofuranosidase for hemicellulose bioconversion is described. The barriers, progress, and prospects of developing an environmentally benign bioprocess for large-scale conversion of hemicellulose to fuel ethanol, xylitol, 2,3-butanediol, and other valueadded fermentation products are highlighted.

ABSTRACT
Lettuce is one of the widely used salad vegetables in Egypt and the world. However, there is a dearth of
information pertaining to organic lettuce production. An experiment was conducted in the experimental Farm of
Arid Land Agricultural Research and Service Center (ALARC), Faculty of Agriculture, Ain Shams University,
Egypt to assess the effect of compost and compost tea on organic production of head lettuce grown in sandy
soil. The head lettuce seedlings cultivar Chianti were planted in sandy soil during mid of October 2011 and
2012. Four rates of compost (50, 75, 100 and 125% as recommended dose of nitrogen) with and without
addition of compost tea were investigated on yield, quality and minerals content of head lettuce comparing to
mineral fertilizer (control). The results showed that the rates of compost 75, 100 and 125 % with addition of
compost tea gave significant superiority in growth, yield and some of head lettuce quality compared to control.
Compost rates of 100% and 125% with added compost tea gave the highest content of macronutrients (N, P, K)
and micronutrients (Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu). All rates of compost with or without compost tea reduced nitrate content
in lettuce heads. Using 100 and 125% compost with or without added compost tea increased the heavy metal
contents in the lettuce heads, but still less than the critical limits in normal vegetables. It is recommended that
organic production of head lettuce in sandy soil can be performed successfully using rate of 75 or 100% of
compost with addition of compost tea to get high yield and quality with low nitrate content of head lettuce.

Rice straw is an attractive lignocellulosic material for bioethanol production since it is one of the most abundant renewable resources. It has several characteristics, such as high cellulose and hemicelluloses content that can be readily hydrolyzed into fermentable sugars. But there occur several challenges and limitations in the process of converting rice straw to ethanol. The presence of high ash and silica content in rice straw makes it an inferior feedstock for ethanol production. One of the major challenges in developing technology for bioethanol production from rice straw is selection of an appropriate pretreatment technique. The choice of pretreatment methods plays an important role to increase the efficiency of enzymatic saccharification thereby making the whole process economically viable. The present review discusses the available technologies for bioethanol production using rice straw.

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the potential of lignocellulolytic fungi for rapid composting of rice straw. Forty-nine isolates of fungi were isolated from several natural and induced rice straw composting sources. Ten isolates were tested for their potential to decompose lignocellulosic rice straw by assessing their growth rate and biomass production, as well as their ability to decompose lignin and cellulose on rice-straw-powder-amended media. Four isolates (F26, F28, F29, and F44) were selected as potential lignocellulolytic agents for in-vitro compatibility study based on their optimum growth rate, biomass production, and lignocellulolytic activities. Six different interactions were found among four interacting isolates in the form of mutual intermingling, partial mutual intermingling, and inhibition at the contact point. Finally, a consortium of Aspergillus niger (F44) and Trichoderma viride (F26) was tested for in-vitro biodegradation of rice straw. The fungal consortium was able to decompose cellulose, hemicelluloses, lignin, and total carbon significantly (p 0.05) over the control. The C/N ratio was reduced to 19.5 from an initial value of 29.3 in three weeks of the biodegradation process, thus showing the potential of this method for use in large-scale composting of rice straw.

Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) was prepared from local agricultural residues, namely, bagasse, rice straw, and cotton stalks bleached pulps. Hydrolysis of bleached pulps was carried out using hydrochloric or sulfuric acid to study the effect of the acid used on the properties of the produced microcrystalline cellulose such as degree of polymerization (DP), crystallinity index (CrI), crystallite size, bulk density, particle size, and thermal stability. The mechanical properties of tablets made from microcrystalline cellulose of different agricultural residues were tested and compared to a commercial-grade MCC. The use of rice straw pulp in different proportions as a source of silica to prepare silicified microcrystalline cellulose (SMCC) was investigated. The effect of the percent of rice straw added on the mechanical properties of tablets before and after wet granulation was studied.

In vitro and in vivo experiments were carried out to determine the mechanisms involved in suppression of Choanephora cucurbitarum the causal pathogen of wet rot disease of okra by using the tea produced from agro-waste such as rice straw (RST) and empty fruit bunch (EFB) of oil palm composts. Non-sterilized, filter-sterilized and heat-sterilized compost teas were tested on the growth of C. cucurbitarum. The highest percentage of inhibition in conidial germination was obtained by both the non-sterilized RST and EFB compost tea with values of 84% and 79%, respectively. The inhibitory efficacy was reduced significantly (P 6 0.05) when the teas were subjected to millipore membrane filters or heat-sterilization. The mycelial growth of C. cucurbitarum was reduced by 100% in plates amended with both the non-sterilized compost tea. Light microscopy micrographs of mycelial samples of C. cucurbitarum exposed to non-sterilized RST and EFB compost tea showed alterations in mycelial morphology and lysis, resulting in inhibition in mycelial growth. Glass house trials indicated that induced host resistance was stimulated in okra plants treated with non-sterilized and filter-sterilized compost teas based on the detection of inducible resistance-related compounds. The mean values for inducible enzymes which have a role in disease resistance [peroxidase (PO), polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL)] increased until day 8, which were significantly higher in okra plants pre-treated with non-sterilized tea in view of the high nutritive and microbiological properties. There was a further increase in inducible compounds when the pre-treated okra plants were challenged with C. cucurbitarum. Following the increase in total PO, PPO and PAL activities, development of Choanephora wet rot was delayed, confirming the possible involvement of induced resistance. However, resistance was not maintained since it decreased over time. This could be due to the highly stressed environment of the leaf surfaces which had a detrimental effect on the survival of the antagonists and subsequently affected the efficacy of compost tea. It was therefore suggested that plants should be sprayed at short intervals with the compost tea to sustain the suppressive effect.

Cultivation of the oyster mushroom, Pleurotus sajor-caju, on rice and wheat straw without nutrient supplementation was investigated. The eects of straw size reduction method and particle size, spawn inoculation level, and type of substrate (rice straw versus wheat straw) on mushroom yield, biological eciency, bioconversion eciency, and substrate degradation were determined. Two size reduction methods, grinding and chopping, were compared. The ground straw yielded higher mushroom growth rate and yield than the chopped straw. The growth cycles of mushrooms with the ground substrate were ®ve days shorter than with the chopped straw for a similar particle size. However, it was found that when the straw was ground into particles that were too small, the mushroom yield decreased. With the three spawn levels tested (12%, 16% and 18%), the 12% level resulted in signi®cantly lower mushroom yield than the other two levels. Comparing rice straw with wheat straw, rice straw yielded about 10% more mushrooms than wheat straw under the same cultivation conditions. The dry matter loss of the substrate after mushroom growth varied from 30.1% to 44.3%. The straw ®ber remaining after fungal utilization was not as degradable as the original straw ®ber, indicating that the fungal fermentation did not improve the feed value of the straw. Ó

The main objective of this work is to evaluate the suitability of rice straw and sodaeanthraquinone (sodaeAQ) pulping process to produce pulp and paper. To reach this aim, it was used a central composite factorial design to study the influence of operational variables (temperature (155e185 C), cooking time (30e90 min), soda concentration (10e20%), anthraquinone concentration (0e1%) and liquid/solid ratio (6e8)), in sodaeanthraquinone cooking of rice straw on pulps and paper sheets properties obtained.

Agricultural lignocellulosic fiber (rice straw)-waste tire particle composite boards were manufactured for use as insulation boards in construction, using the same method as that used in the wood-based panel industry. The manufacturing parameters were: a specific gravity of 0.8 and a rice straw content (10/90, 20/80 and 30/70 by wt.% of rice straw/waste tire particle). A commercial polyurethane adhesive for rubber was used as the composite binder. The water proof, water absorption and thickness swelling properties of the composite boards were better than those of wood particleboard. Furthermore, the flexibility and flexural properties of the composite boards were superior to those of other wood-based panel products. The composite boards also demonstrated good acoustical insulation, electrical insulation, anti-caustic and anti-rot properties. These boards can be used to prevent impact damage, are easily modifiable and are inexpensive. They are able to be used as a substitute for insulation boards and other flexural materials in construction.

Microbial oil production from sulphuric acid treated rice straw hydrolysate (SARSH) by Trichosporon fermentans was performed for the first time. Fermentation of SARSH without detoxification gave a poor lipid yield of 1.7 g/l, which was much lower than the result with glucose or xylose as the single carbon source (13.6 g/l or 9.9 g/l). The detoxification pretreatment, including overliming, concentration, and adsorption by Amberlite XAD-4 improved the fermentability of SARSH significantly by removing the inhibitors in SARSH. A total biomass of 28.6 g/l with a lipid content of 40.1% (corresponding to a lipid yield of 11.5 g/l) could be achieved after cultivation of T. fermentans on the detoxified SARSH for 8 days. Moreover, besides SARSH, T. fermentans could also utilize mannose, galactose, or cellobiose, in hydrolysates of other natural lignocellulosic materials as the single carbon source to grow and accumulate lipid with a high yield (at least 10.4 g/l). Hence, it is a promising strain for microbial oil production and thus biodiesel preparation from agro-industrial residues, especially lignocellulosic materials.

Burning of rice straw is a common practice in northwest India, where rice–wheat cropping system is extensively followed. The practice results in loss of nutrients, atmospheric pollution and emission of greenhouse gases. A field experiment was conducted at Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India during the rabi season (November to April) of 2002–2003 to evaluate the efficacy of the various modes of rice straw recycling in soil in improving yield and soil fertility and reducing not only carbon dioxide emission but also nitrous oxide (N2O) emission. The treatment with no rice straw incorporation and application of recommended doses of fertilizer (120, 26 and 50 kg N, P and K ha−1, respectively), gave the highest yield of wheat. Treatments with the incorporation of rice straw at 5 Mg ha−1 with additional amount of inorganic N (60 kg N ha−1) or inoculation of microbial culture had similar grain yields to that of the treatment with no straw incorporation. The lowest yield was recorded in the plots where rice straw was incorporated in soil without additional inorganic N and with manure application. All the treatments with rice straw incorporation had larger soil organic C despite the effect on the mineralisation of soil organic matter. Emission of N2O was more when additional N was added with rice straw and secondary when straw was added to the soil because of higher microbial activity. The study showed that burning of rice straw could be avoided without affecting yield of wheat crop by incorporating rice straw in soil with an additional dose of inorganic N or microbial inoculation. However, the reduction of N2O emission due to avoiding burning is in part counterbalanced by an increase in emission during the subsequent wheat cultivation.

Take a moment and look around you. You will see that there are a lot of things made out of paper. Paper is used for various purposes in our everyday lives, but these papers destroy the environment, the problem came from us as humans are the only creature who cuts the trees, made paper, and then wrote "SAVE TREES" on it. Do you know that one ton of sheets destruct 17 trees, deforest eight cubic feet and consume 26.281 Liter of fresh water and 4077 kilowatts per hour?!  To prevent this misbehave, we made system depends on agricultural residues (rice straw and bagasse) in its paper production with the recovery process to reuse water, chemicals and energy. The quality of this solution is reflected in achieving our design requirements which are: efficiency, cost, availability, safety, area efficient, reliability, eco-friendly and testability. In order to achieve these design requirements, we constructed a prototype to show our idea. We made a container with mixer to reflect the function of a digester. Later on we tested the efficiency and the environmental impact, then got positive result as we produced pulp with efficiency increased to 78.4% and made the recovery process with total efficiency increased to 92.85%. Finally, we conclude that our solution is successful and it can solve paper industry problems which affect other grand challenges in Egypt. As our solution provides pulp without destroying the forests, with no risky by-product to the environment, has low cost, low energy consumption and efficient area.

Rice straw causes many environmental problems in different world countries. In Egypt, every year, rice straw causes severe environmental pollution in terms of black clouds caused by burning process. In this study, Egyptian rice straw was used as a reinforcement material in polymer composites. Rice-straw/epoxy [RS/E] and glass-fiber/rice-straw/epoxy hybrid [G/RS/E] composites were studied. Pure epoxy [E] and glass-fiber/epoxy [G/E] specimens were also fabricated for comparison purpose. Composite plates were fabricated by hand lay-up technique in a mold and cured under light pressure for 24 hr, followed by curing at room temperature for 21 days. All composites plates were made with a total weight of 960 grams and dimension of 400 x 400 mm with different thickness by varying the weight fraction of the constituent materials. Tensile strength, tensile modulus, bending strength, bending modulus and compressive strength were determined experimentally. Failure modes of all specimens were investigated. RÉSUMÉ La paille de riz provoque de nombreux problèmes environnementaux dans les différents pays du monde. En Egypte, chaque année , de la paille de riz provoque rompre pollution de l'environnement en termes de nuages noirs causés par les processus de combustion. Dans cette étude , la paille de riz égyptien a été utilisé comme matériau de renforcement dans les composites polymères. Rice-straw/epoxy [RS / E] et glass-fiber/rice-straw/epoxy hybrides [g / RS / E] composites ont été étudiés. Pur époxy [E] et glass-fiber/epoxy [G / E] spécimens ont également été fabriqués à des fins de comparaison. Des planches composites ont été fabriqués à la main technique mise en place dans un moule et durcis sous une légère pression pendant 24 h , suivie d'un durcissement à température ambiante pendant 21 jours. Toutes les plaques composites ont été réalisées avec un poids total de 960 grammes et la dimension de 400 x 400 mm avec une épaisseur différente en faisant varier la fraction de poids des matériaux constitutifs. Résistance à la traction, le module de traction, résistance à la flexion , module de flexion et à la compression ont été déterminées expérimentalement. Les modes de défaillance de tous les échantillons ont été étudiés.

After conducting a preliminary survey, a feeding trial was carried out to determine the effect of urea±molasses±multinutrient block (UMMB) and urea-treated rice straw (UTRS) as a feed supplement on the productivity of dairy cows. Sixty Holstein±Friesian crossbred cows on 11 smallholder farms were divided equally into control, UMMB and UTRS supplementation groups. Milk yield and feed intake were recorded daily. Milk fat content, body weight and body condition score (BSC) of each cow were determined at two week intervals. Milk samples for progesterone analysis were collected once a week commencing one month after parturition. Data were recorded for date of onset of ovarian activity, estrus, insemination, and conception rate. Milk production increased by 10.3±11.9% and milk fat content increased by 3±5%, therefore, profit for farmers increased by US $0.55±0.73 per cow per day (exchange rate US $1VN $11 000). The intervals from calving to onset of ovarian activity (91±94 days), to estrus (110±114 days), to conception (121±122 days) and the calving interval (13.4±13.6 months) in the trial groups were significantly shorter than those in the control group (112, 135, 152 days and 14.4 months, respectively). # 0167-5877/99/$ ± see front matter # 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved. PII: S 0 1 6 7 -5 8 7 7 ( 9 8 ) 0 0 1 2 4 -X

Twenty four buffalo calves weighted 120.49±0.7 Kg and 4.5±0.3 month of age were selected and divided randomly into 4 similar groups (6 animals each) in 140 days feeding trial. All calves in the different groups were fed similar basal diet of concentrate feed mixture (CFM), berseem hay (BH) and rice straw (RS). First group (D , control) fed the basal diet. Group 2, 3 and 4 (D D and D ) were supplemented with 2.5, 5 and 1 2, 3 4 2 7.5 % (D3 and D4) comparing with D2 and insignificantly comparing with the control animals. For the microbiological quality of used feeds (FCM, BH and RS), the increasing level of supplementation decreased TPC, TCC and FCC.Similarly, enterobacteria, E.coli and Salmonella not detected. Also, pH values were significantly (P<0.05) decreased by adding natural additive. It could be concluded that using garlic, anion and lemonade juice as natural feed additive at the rate 2.5, 5% and 7.5%/kg ration for growing buffalo calves improved utilization of nutrients, better blood constituents, improved growth rate, destroy harmful bacteria and cause some improvement of economical efficiency. The group fed supplemented diet with 2.5% natural additive showed the best performance.

Field experiments were conducted during the winter season of 2003 -04 and 2004 -05 to determine the effect of mulch in relation to irrigation and planting method on soil temperature, weed control, baby corn growth, water use and yield. The study revealed that bed planting of baby corn caused 34.9% increase in yield over ridge planting method. Plastic mulch increased baby corn yield by 18.9% and 77.5% over rice straw and unmulched treatment respectively. Baby corn yield at irrigation level of 1.2 ETc proved significantly superior to 1.0 ETc and 0.8 ETc levels. The study further revealed that plastic mulch at irrigation level of 0.8 ETc resulted significant increase in yield by 28.6% over unmulched soil condition even when it was irrigated at 1.2 ETc and resulted 30.6% of water saving. It was interesting that in bed planting method, plastic mulch caused statistically same baby corn yield at all the levels of irrigation with maximum water use efficiency of 40.1 kg/ha-cm at irrigation level of 0.8 ETc, while in ridge planting method the baby corn yield was statically same only at irrigation level of 1.2 ETc and 1.0 ETc, while at 0.8 ETc it decreased significantly.

The 5 use of arsenic (As) contaminated groundwater for irrigation of crops has resulted in elevated concentrations of arsenic in agricultural soils in Bangladesh, West Bengal (India), and elsewhere. Paddy rice (Oryza sativa L.) is the main agricultural crop grown in the arsenic-affected areas of Bangladesh. There is, therefore, concern regarding accumulation of arsenic in rice grown those soils. A greenhouse study was conducted to examine the effects of arsenic-contaminated irrigation water on the growth of rice and uptake and speciation of arsenic. Treatments of the greenhouse experiment consisted of two phosphate doses and seven different arsenate concentrations ranging from 0 to 8 mg of As L -1 applied regularly throughout the 170)day post-transplantation growing period until plants were ready for harvesting. Increasing the concentration of arsenate in irrigation water significantly decreased plant height, grain yield, the number of filled grains, grain weight, and root biomass, while the arsenic concentrations in root, straw, and rice husk increased significantly. Concentrations of arsenic in rice grain did not exceed the food hygiene concentration limit (1.0 mg of As kg -1 dry weight). The concentrations of arsenic in rice straw (up to 91.8 mg kg -1 for the highest As treatment) were of the same order of magnitude as root arsenic concentrations (up to 107.5 mg kg -1 ), suggesting that arsenic can be readily translocated to the shoot. While not covered by food hygiene regulations, rice straw is used as cattle feed in many countries including Bangladesh. The high arsenic concentrations may have the potential for adverse health effects on the cattle and an increase of arsenic exposure in humans via the plant-animal-human pathway. Arsenic concentrations in rice plant parts except husk were not affected by application of phosphate. As the concentration of arsenic in the rice grain was low, arsenic speciation was performed only on rice straw to predict the risk associated with feeding contaminated straw to the cattle. Speciation of arsenic in tissues (using HPLC-ICP-MS) revealed that the predominant species present in straw was arsenate followed by arsenite and dimethylarsinic acid (DMAA). As DMAA is only present at low concentrations, it is unlikely this will greatly alter the toxicity of arsenic present in rice.

Agroindustrial and forestry residues, which are by-products of key industrial and economical activities, stand out as potential raw materials for the production of renewable fuels, chemicals and energy. The use of wastes is advantageous as their availability is not hindered by a requirement for arable land for the production of food and feed. In addition, waste utilization prevents its accumulation, which is of great environmental concern due to its potential for contamination of rivers and underground water. In Brazil, the agroindustry of corn (13767400 ha), sugarcane (7080920 ha), rice (2890930 ha), cassava (1894460 ha), wheat (1853220 ha), citrus (930591 ha), coconut (283205 ha), and grass (140000 ha) collectively occupies an area of 28840726 ha (FAOSTAT, http://www. faostat.fao.org/site/567/default.aspx#ancor) and generates 597 million tons of residue per year. By itself, this scale of operation calls for new solutions aiming for the appropriate utilization of these valuable resources. However, innovative dealings must be environmentally and economically acceptable and, most importantly, have social meaning. Indeed, great social benefits could draw from novel yearround activities as alternatives for the typical seasonal jobs in agroindustry. Considering the production of biomass ethanol, the abundance of feedstock near the site of processing must be taken into account, as low-density biomass involves significant handling and transportation costs. Within this context, the crushed stalk of sugar cane (bagasse) and straw are obvious choices, although bagasse is often burned for the production of steam (heat) and power/electricity in sugar-ethanol mills and important amounts of straw are needed to keep the soil nutrients balance. Other agricultural by-products of importance in Brazil, such as corn straw, wheat straw, rice straw and rice hulls, grass and forestry materials and residues from citrus, coconut and cassava processing, also deserve attention as local feedstock for the development of new and profitable activities. As each type of feedstock demands the development of tailor-made technology, the diversity of the aforementioned raw materials could allow for new solutions for the production of chemicals, fuels and energy in accordance with the local availability of these materials.

Alkaline wet oxidation was used as pretreatment method of sugarcane bagasse (SB) and rice straw (RS) prior to enzymatic hydrolysis and glucose fermentations with Saccharomyces cerevisiae. At high enzyme loadings, the enzymatic hydrolysis of wet oxidized sugarcane bagasse (SBWO) resulted in the highest degree of saccharification compared to wet oxidized rice straw (RSWO). However, at enzyme concentrations below 10 FPU/g-cellulose, wet oxidized rice straw showed faster hydrolysis and higher levels of saccharification. Incomplete hydrolysis was found for both biomass suspensions with maximum yields of 73% and 62% (of theoretical) for SBWO and RSWO, respectively.

Pretreatment technology is a prerequisite to facilitate the release of sugars from a lignocellulosic biomass prior to fermentation. Recently, some pretreatment methods have been tried with ionic liquids, but they were still expensive and unpractical. In this study, an efficient pretreatment method using ammonia and ionic liquid was developed for the recovery of bio-digestible cellulose from a lignocellulosic byproduct, rice straw, and the increase of ionic liquid utilization. The combined use of ammonia and ionic liquid ([Emim]Ac) treatment exhibited a synergy effect for rice straw with 82% of the cellulose recovery and 97% of the enzymatic glucose conversion. This cooperative effect showed over 90% of the glucose conversion even with a reduced enzyme usage and incubation time. The ionic liquid was successfully recycled more than 20 times. The 20th-recycled ([Emim]Ac) showed 74% of the cellulose recovery and 78% of the glucose conversion to rice straw. Compared with the conventional pretreatment, our combined method for lignocellulosic biomass pretreatment was an economical and eco-friendly.

This study was designed to determine effect of various plant protein sources in high-quality feed block (HQFB) on feed intake, rumen fermentation, and microbial population in swamp buffalo. Four rumen-fistulated swamp buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) were randomly assigned according to a 4 × 4 Latin square design. Four kinds of plant protein sources (coarse rice bran (CRB), cassava hay (CH), Phaseolus calcaratus hay, and mulberry hay (MH)) were mixed in the HQFB. HQFBs were allowed to be licked at free choice, and urea–lime-treated rice straw (ULRS) were fed ad libitum. It was found that bacterial population and fungal zoospores in CH-fed group tended to be higher than those in other groups. Moreover, protozoal population in CH, P. calcaratus hay, and MH were lower than those in CRB supplemented group (P < 0.05). Cellulolytic bacterial population was highest in CH-fed group while proteolytic bacteria population was highest in P. calcaratus hay-fed group (P < 0.05). CH-fed group had higher ULRS intake than those in other groups (P < 0.05). Nutrient digestibility of CP, NDF, and ADF in CH-fed group was significantly higher than those in other groups (P < 0.05). Total VFA was highest in CH-fed group (P < 0.05). N absorption was highest in CH-fed group (P < 0.05). Based on this study, it could be concluded that cassava hay, P. calcaratus hay, and mulberry hay are potential to be used as protein sources in the HQFBs especially cassava hay.

This manuscript focuses on the nutrient recycling potential of enriched compost prepared using rice straw, low-grade rock phosphate (RP) and waste mica along with Aspergillus awamori and their effect on crop productivity and changes in soil fertility under potato-soybean cropping sequence in an Inceptisol of Indo-Gangetic Plains of India. Enriched composts had higher total as well as bioavailable P and K content than ordinary compost. Data emanated from the field study revealed that yield and uptake of N, P and K by potato tubers were significantly increased due to application of inorganic fertilizer and enriched compost over control. Application of 50% recommended dose of NPK fertilizers (RDF) along with 4.0 Mg ha -1 of enriched compost product-C prepared by rice straw ? RP @ 4% P ? waste mica 4% K ? Aspergillus awamori resulted in 43.3% additional yield and 102.3, 67.0 and 62.2% additional N, P and K uptake by potato over control, respectively. Significant increase in yield and uptake of N, P and K by soybean grown on residual fertility were also observed over control. Post-harvest soil analysis indicated a significant build-up in soil organic C, available N, P and K due to application of enriched compost in combination with inorganic fertilizer over 100% RDF. The results clearly showed that enriched compost could be an alternative and cost effective option to prepare a value added product using agricultural wastes and low-grade minerals like RP and waste mica in place of costly chemical fertilizer for crop production and maintaining soil fertility.

Adsorption experiments were carried out using waste rice straw of several kinds as a biosorbent to adsorb Cu(II), Zn(II), Cd(II) and Hg(II) ions from aqueous solutions at room temperature. To achieve the best adsorption conditions the influence of pH and contact time were investigated. The isotherms of adsorption were fitted to the Freundlich equation. Based on the experimental data and Freundlich model, the adsorption order was Cd(II) > Cu(II) > Zn(II) > Hg(II) on the rice straw. This quick adsorption process reached the equilibrium before 1.5 h, with maximum adsorptions at pH 5.0. Thermodynamic aspects of the adsorption process were investigated. The biosorbent material was used in columns for the removal of ions Cu, Zn, Cd and Hg of real samples of industrial effluent and its efficiency was studied.

This investigation assessed the effects of termite mound material (TMM) on the physical properties of sandy soil and on tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) growth characteristics and water use efficiency. TMM combined with organic manure, TMM combined with rice straw mulching and organic manure, organic manure alone (OM) and unamended (T0) were the treatments used. Results showed that soil treated with TMM had more clay sized particles and organic carbon content than T0 and OM. In TMM-treated soil, more water was being retained at both field capacity and permanent wilting point. The application of TMM did not affect the amount of plant available water. Saturated hydraulic conductivity also remained unaffected by the TMM application, but increased with the organic matter treatment. Toma-toes grown in TMM amended soils had greater plant height and more leaves, fruit and biomass. No specific rate of TMM application was better for all parameters being assessed. The amount of water used by the tomatoes was significantly correlated (P<0.01) with fresh fruit yield (r=0.82), leaf area index (r=0.82) and total dry matter production (r= 0.68). While TMM did not specifically affect plant water-use efficiency, this parameter was generally improved in amended soils.

This study was carried out to investigate the profitability of upland rice farmers in Ivo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State. The specific objectives were to; describe the socioeconomic characteristics of the farmers and determine the profitability of upland rice production. The data for the study were collected from both primary and secondary sources. Percentage response was used to determine the socioeconomic characteristics of the farmers, while net farm income model was used to determine the profitability of upland rice farmers. The result of socioeconomic characteristics of the respondents revealed that majority of upland rice farmers were males, small scaled in operation and averagely educated. Rice production in the study area was profitable with average total revenue of N360,000, total cost of N99,850. and net farm income of N260,150 Based on the findings the following recommendationsswereemade:policiessthattwouldenhancefarmers''accessstoimprovedproductioninputss(suchhas fertilizer and seed), credit and labour saving device should be developed and disseminated to farmers at subsidized prizes.

Nanofibers (NF) were isolated from bleached bagasse and rice straw pulps. The pulps were refined using high-shear ultrafine grinder and then homogenized using high-pressure homogenizer. The efficiency of the used isolation processes was studied by optical microscopy (OM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and testing the tensile properties (wet and dry) of nanopaper sheets made from the nanofibers. In addition, opacity and porosity of nanopaper sheets made after different processing steps were investigated. The microscopy studies showed that the processes used resulted in nanofibers with diameters ranging from 3.5 to 60 nm. The results indicated that main isolation of nanofibers took place during refining using the ultrafine grinding process, while high-pressure homogenization resulted in smaller and more homogeneous size of nanofibers. Nanopaper sheets made from bagasse showed better wet and dry tensile strength properties than those made of rice straw.

An abundant agricultural residue, rice straw (RS) was pretreated using ammonia fiber expansion (AFEX) process with less than 3% sugar loss. Along with commercial cellulase (Spezyme® CP) at 15 filter paper unit/g of glucan, the addition of Multifect® Xylanase at 2.67 mg protein/g glucan and Multifect® Pectinase at 3.65 mg protein/g glucan was optimized to greatly increase sugar conversion of AFEX-treated RS. During enzymatic hydrolysis even at 6% glucan loading (equivalent to 17.8% solid loading), about 80.6% of glucan and 89.6% of xylan conversions (including monomeric and oligomeric sugars) were achieved. However, oligomeric glucose and xylose accounted for 12.3% of the total glucose and 37.0% of the total xylose, respectively. Comparison among the three ethanologenic strains revealed Saccharomyces cerevisiae 424A(LNH-ST) to be a promising candidate for RS hydrolysate with maximum ethanol metabolic yield of 95.3% and ethanol volumetric productivity of 0.26 g/L/h. The final concentration of ethanol at 37.0 g/L was obtained by S. cerevisiae 424A(LNH-ST) even with low cell density inoculum. A biorefinery combining AFEX pretreatment with S. cerevisiae 424A(LNH-ST) in separate hydrolysis and fermentation could achieve 175.6 g EtOH/kg untreated rice straw at low initial cell density (0.28 g dw/L) without washing pretreated biomass, detoxification, or nutrient supplementation.

Ethanol production from rice straw by simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) with Mucor indicus, Rhizopus oryzae, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae was investigated and compared with pure cellulose, Avicel, as a reference. The straw was pretreated with dilute-acid hydrolysis. The SSF experiments were carried out aerobically and anaerobically at 38 • C, 50 g/l dry matter (DM) solid substrate concentration and 15 or 30 filter paper unit (FPU)/g DM of a commercial cellulase. The experiments were ended after 7 days, while an average of 2-3 days were usually enough to achieve the maximum ethanol yield. All the strains were able to produce ethanol from the pretreated rice straw with an overall yield of 40-74% of the maximum theoretical SSF yield, based on the glucan available in the solid substrate. R. oryzae had the best ethanol yield as 74% from rice straw followed by M. indicus with an overall yield of 68% with 15 FPU/g DM of cellulase. Glycerol was the main byproduct of the SSF by M. indicus and S. cerevisiae with yields 117 and 90 mg/g of equivalent glucose in the pretreated straw, respectively, while R. oryzae produced lactic acid as the major byproduct with yield 60 mg/g glucose equivalent in pretreated rice straw under anaerobic conditions.

Highly mesoporous activated carbons (ACs) with a mesopore fraction ranging from 42 to 73% were obtained by activation of rice straw (RS) with ortho-phosphoric acid (PA). Due to such a high mesoporosity, these ACs can be successfully used for pollutant removal in aqueous phase. The ACs were prepared at activation temperatures (T) ranging from 350 to 500 • C, using PA to RS weight ratios (R) from 0 to 1.6 and activation times from 0 to 2 h. They were characterised by nitrogen adsorption at −196 • C, SEM-EDX, and methylene blue adsorption. RS is a very heterogeneous material with a variable content of mineral matter: using the product of activated carbon yield multiplied by surface area (C × S BET ) as the performance criterion, the best AC was produced at T = 450 • C and R ≥ 1. These conditions lead to S BET higher than 500 m 2 g −1 and a C × S BET around 270 m 2 g −1 . (V. Fierro). sodium hydroxide on the other hand [7]. In our previous paper [5], three pre-treatment protocols were tested: mechanical, chemical (by NaOH pulping), and a combination of both, followed by a further activation with KOH according to either one or two steps. Employing the combined mechanical-chemical pre-treatment method and a 2-steps KOH activation process, surface areas as high as 1917 m 2 g −1 could be obtained. However, the use of such complex activation protocol working at temperatures as high as 800 • C makes RS-based AC production rather expensive.