Straw

The present study is to understand the impact of process conditions on the quality attributes of wheat oat, barley, and canola straw briquettes. Analysis of variance indicated that briquette moisture content and initial density immediately after compaction and final density after 2 weeks of storage are strong functions of feedstock moisture content and compression pressure, whereas durability rating is influenced by die temperature and feedstock moisture content. Briquettes produced at a low feedstock moisture content of 9 % (w.b.) yielded maximum densities >700 kg/m 3 for wheat, oat, canola, and barley straws. Lower feedstock moisture content of <10 % (w.b.) and higher die temperatures >110°C and compression pressure >10 MPa minimized the briquette moisture content and maximized densities and durability rating based on surface plots observations. Optimal process conditions indicated that a low feedstock moisture content of about 9 % (w.b.), high die temperature of 120-130°C, medium-to-large hammer mill screen sizes of about 24 to 31.75 mm, and low to high compression pressures of 7.5 to 12.5 MPa minimized briquette moisture content to <8 % (w.b.) and maximized density to >700 kg/m 3. Durability rating >90 % is achievable at higher die temperatures of >123°C, lower to medium feedstock moisture contents of 9 to 12 % (w.b.), low to high compression pressures of 7.5 to 12.5 MPa, and large hammer mill screen size of 31.75 mm, except for canola where a lower compression pressure of 7.5 to 8.5 MPa and a smaller hammer mill screen size of 19 mm for oat maximized the durability rating values.

Rice straw utilization for the production of fuel and other chemicals via fermentation route needs several pretreatments due to its compact structure between lignin and cellulose in the plant cell walls. It inhibits the decomposition of biomass by microorganism. In this study, rice straw was hydrothermally treated at different temperatures (100–200 °C) with (0-7%) NaOH addition to improve decomposition of biomass. This work demonstrated that the content of the lignin and hemicelluloses fractions was reduced with the increase of the hydrothermal temperature and NaOH content. The results of this study pointed out that hydrothermal treatment with NaOH addition can increase rice straw organic degradation as indicated by increasing delignification, hemicellulose solubilization and lower crystallinity index of rice straw. More lignin, cellulose and hemicelluloses were solubilized at higher severity factor. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that the rate of thermal degradation began at low...

The purpose of this study was to determine the nutritional value of corn straw yellow Manado and hybrid varieties fermented with effective microorganisms (EM4). The study was conducted in Kawangkoan Bawah Village, West Amurang District. The analysis was performed at the Laboratory of Chemical Industry Research and Standards (Baristand) Ministry of Industry, Manado. This study used an experimental design methos, a Completely Randomized Factorial pattern consisting of two factors. The first factor was using varieties of hybrid maize straw Manado Kuning and Bisi 2; The second factor was using corn straw (P0), fermented corn straw material without the fermentation process ( P1) and fermented corn straw (P2). The results of variance analysis showed that the varieties, and different level of fermentation were highly significant (P <0.01) in affecting crude fiber, crude protein, and energy. While the interaction variety and fermentation showed a significant difference (P <0, 01) to the content of crude fiber and protein, their interaction gave no significant difference (P>0,05) to the energy level. Further analysis indicated that fermented corn straw gave a significant (P<0,01) results compared to corn straw and fermented corn straw without fermentation on protein content, crude fiber and energy level.

Streptomyces sp. F6616 was found to produce higher levels of extracellular peroxidase activity (0.535 U/mL) without any inducers than other actinobacteria which are previously reported. Maximum specific peroxidase activity (6.21 U/mg of protein) was obtained after 72 h of incubation at 30 °C in a minimal salt medium (pH 8.0) containing (in wt/v) 0.6% yeast extract and 0.8% ball-milled wheat straw corresponding to a C:N ratio of 4.6:1. Characterization of the peroxidase revealed that the optimal temperature for the enzyme activity, using the standard 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP) assay was 50 °C, when the enzyme reaction was performed at pH 8.0. A study of the effect of temperature on the stability of peroxidase over time, showed that the enzyme was stable at 50 °C, with a half-life of 145 min, while at higher temperature the stability and activity was reduced such that at 60 °C the half-life of the enzyme was 30 min. The optimum pH for the activity of the enzyme occurred between pH 9.0 and 10.0. The apparent Km and Vmax values for the peroxidase preparations were determined to be 1.52 mmol/L and 1.84 U/mg protein, respectively using 2,4-DCP as a substrate. Characterization of the peroxidase activity revealed activity against 2,4-DCP, L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA), 2,4,5-trichlorophenol and other chlorophenols in the presence of hydrogen peroxide. However, inhibition of peroxidase activity with the addition of potassium cyanide and sodium azide, suggested the presence of heme component in the tertiary structure of the enzyme.

The use of sugarcane straw is a promising option to enhance bioenergy production. But the implications of straw removal for soil greenhouse gas (GHG) emission are not yet fully understood due to scarcity of studies under Brazilian conditions. Four field experiments were designed to assess soil N 2 O and CH 4 emissions derived from nitrogen (N) fertilization under scenarios of sugarcane straw removal in São Paulo state, Brazil. Our focus was also to derive the direct N 2 O emission factor (EF) that represents the regional conditions of sugarcane production, taking into account the data obtained from this study and those from the literature. In each field study, four straw removal rates (no removal (NR); low removal (LR)-removal of 5 Mg ha −1 ; high removal (HR)-removal of 10 Mg ha −1 ; and total removal (TR)-removal of 15 Mg ha −1) were arranged in a randomized block design. This study shows a clear evidence that CH 4 fluxes are very low for all assessed sites regardless of straw removal rates, indicating a predominance of CH 4 consumption by the soil. Cumulative N 2 O emissions ranged from 0.20 to 4.09 kg ha −1 year −1 and were significantly affected by straw removal in two sites, indicating that straw removal reduces N 2 O emissions. The average direct N 2 O EFs obtained from this study and from the literature were 0.28, 0.44, 0.70, and 0.56% for TR, HR, LR, and NR treatments, respectively, which are consistently lower than the EF of 1% suggested by the IPCC. Based on our regional-specific EF (Tier 2), the direct N 2 O emissions derived from N fertilization under scenarios of straw removal showed a reduction of at least 50% in relation to IPCC approach. Our findings are a step forward in providing regional-specific data to reduce the high level of uncertainty concerning N 2 O emission assessments of sugarcane ethanol in Brazil, but further studies are needed to evaluate how straw removal for bioenergy production and the associated changes in soil organic carbon stocks affect the GHG balance of sugarcane. Keywords Saccharum spp.. CH 4 emissions. N 2 O emissions. N 2 O emission factor. IPCC methodology. Tier 2. Crop residues

This paper reports work in the extrusion fractionation of wheat straw and biocomposites utilising the entire constituents of straw. The effects of pre-treatment and extrusion conditions on fractionation of straw and mechanical properties of the biocomposites were studied systematically. It is demonstrated that twin-screw extrusion can be used for effective fractionation of straw feedstock for production of biocomposites utilising the natural resin and fibre reinforcement without additional polymeric resin. In comparison with the conventional approaches where cellulose is extracted and compounded with resins, the self-reinforced biocomposites benefit from low material and processing costs as well as lower environmental impacts. Since then, she has worked as postdoctoral research fellow on biodegradable food packaging materials in Leeds University (1999)(2000)(2001)(2002), on biodegradable and bio-compatible materials for implants to support bone fracture in Queen Mary University of London (2003London ( -2005 and at present on development of straw-based composites for industrial applications at Brunel University (since 2005).

Watermelon plant in Indonesia are generally grown on paddy fields at an altitude of 0-500 m above sea level (asl) as intercrops between paddy planting seasons. The difficulties of watermelon cultivation are to achieve uniform and steady fruits quality (sweetness and weight). Implementation of hydroponics watermelon technology is an effort to increase production and productivity without disrupting rice production as a food crop. The objectives of this study were to examine the effects of straw compost substrate and gibereline application to watermelon growth and yield. The research was conducted in Cilamaya Kulon of Karawang district (35 m asl) in October 2015 until January 2016. The research method used was experimental research using factorial randomized block design of 2 factors. The first factor was the ratio of planting medium consisted of 3 levels of treatment ie the ratio of straw compost with sand (1: 3, 1: 1 and 3: 1) and the second factor was the concentration of gibberellin (GA3) consisting of 4 levels of gibberellin concentration (0 ppm; 50 ppm; 150; ppm and 250 ppm). The results showed that gibberelline and straw compost ratio with sand did not occur interaction but influenced independently giving the composition of planting medium (1: 1) to plant height, fruit weight and fruit sweetness. Gibberelline concentration 50 ppm independently affects the number of leaf. The optimum growth and yield of water melon were obtain if straw compost application equal to 50%(v/v).

Production of renewable fuels and chemicals from biomass requires an efficient pretreatment technology, which further depends on better understanding of biodegradation process of such lignocellulosic biomass. The biodegradation of wheat straw by Phanerochaete chrysosporium was investigated in this study. The fungal secretomes and compositional, functional groups and structural changes of the fungal spent wheat straw lignin were determined. The result showed w 30% loss of total lignin within three weeks of biopretreatment by P. chrysosporium. Detailed structural analysis through two dimentional heteronuclear multiple quantum coherence nuclear magnatic resonance (2D HMQC NMR) of the pretreated lignin (acetylated) revealed low abundance of substructures D (dibenzodioxacin) and E (cinnamyl alcohol). Further, analysis of lignin by Fourier Transmission Infrared (FTIR) and Pyrolysis Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) demonstrated the significant decrease of guaiacyl (G) units. The results support the previous findings in the biodegradation of wheat straw analyzed by 13 C cross polarization magic angle spinning (CPMAS). Revealing the characteristic behavior of P. chrysosporium mediated biomass degradation, the information presented in this paper offers new insights for understanding the biological lignin degradation of wheat straw by P. chrysosporium.

The total or partial removal of sugarcane (Saccharum spp. L.) straw for bioenergy production may deplete soil quality and consequently affect negatively crop yield. Plants with lower yield potential may present lower concentration of leaf-tissue nutrients, which in turn changes light reflectance of canopy in different wavelengths. Therefore, vegetation indexes, such as the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) associated with concentration of leaf-tissue nutrients could be a useful tool for monitoring potential sugarcane yield changes under straw management. Two sites in São Paulo state, Brazil were utilized to evaluate the potential of NDVI for monitoring sugarcane yield changes imposed by different straw removal rates. The treatments were established with 0%, 25%, 50%, and 100% straw removal. The data used for the NDVI calculation was obtained using satellite images (CBERS-4) and hyperspectral sensor (FieldSpec Spectroradiometer, Malvern Panalytical, Almelo, Netherlands). ...

Humic acid-like (HA-like) and core-humic acid-like (core-HA-like) were characterized during the high-rate compo sting process by CP-MAS 13C NMR, pyrolysis-gas chromatography (GC) / mass spectrometry (MS), and elemental analysis. Results obtained indicated that humification proceeded through a relative concentration of aromatic fractions due to the faster degradation of the O-alkyl and alkyl fractions. Core-HA-like, after purification of the parent material, showed a large reduction of the O-alkyl fraction in terms of HA-like. We concluded that HA-like consisted of refractory organic molecules, such as lignin and biopolymers, which formed a stable structure (core-HA-like) coated with degradable material associated with the core by weak physical association, ether or ester bounds.

This paper investigates the economic feasibility of rice straw co-firing at coal power plants in Malaysia and in doing so looks at the operating, capital, and logistic costs. Co-firing rice straw in an existing coal power plant is a technique that could reduce CO2 emissions and make Malaysia less dependency on coal resources. In a country such as Malaysia with abundant biomass resources, utilizing biomass residue also would help reach government targets of developing renewable energy under the country's Fuel Diversification Policy. The overall rice straw life cycle assessment presented here analyses environmental, energy and economic aspects for co-firing of rice straw at existing coal power plants in Malaysia. Analysis of GHG emissions and energy consumption throughout the entire co-firing rice straw life cycle was based on selected coal power plant capacity output. This paper also analyses the implication of rice straw use under different co-fired ratios, transportation systems and CO2 emission prices. The reduction of GHG emissions was found to be significant even at a lower co-firing ratio. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd.

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This paper reports the development of natural cellulose technical fibers from soybean straw with properties similar to the natural cellulose fibers in current use. About 220 million tons of soybean straw available in the world every year could complement the byproducts of other major food crops as inexpensive, abundant and annually renewable sources for natural cellulose fibers. Using the agricultural byproducts as sources for fibers could help to address the concerns on the future price and availability of both the natural and synthetic fibers in current use and also help to add value to the food crops. A simple alkaline extraction was used to obtain technical fibers from soybean straw and the composition, structure and properties of the fibers was studied. Technical fibers obtained from soybean straw have high cellulose content (85%) but low% crystallinity (47%). The technical fibers have breaking tenacity (2.7 g/den) and breaking elongation (3.9%) higher than those of fibers obtained from wheat straw and sorghum stalk and leaves but lower than that of cotton. Overall, the structure and properties of the technical fibers obtained from soybean straw indicates that the fibers could be suitable for use in textile, composite and other industrial applications.

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of different levels of cellulase enzyme treatments and incubations on digestibility of rice straw. Rice straw was treated by using cellulase from Trichoderma reseei at 0 (Control, C), 1 (RS+CEL1), 1.5 (RS+CEL1.5) and 2% (RS+CEL2) levels (dry matter basis, DM), and treated rice straw samples were ensiled in 6 glass jars for C, RS+CEL1, RS+CEL1.5 and RS+CEL2. For control and each level of cellulase treatment, 3 glass jars were incubated at room temperature (22ºC) in the dark for 30 days, 3 glass jars were incubated at 40±0.2ºC in an incubator for 30 days. After the treatment, the significant increases (P<0.05) were determined in treatment groups compared to control for the percentage of in vitro true digestibility as fed (IVTDas fed), in vitro true dry matter digestibility (IVTDMD), in vitro true neutral detergent fiber digestibility in DM basis (IVTNDFDDM) and in vitro true organic matter digestibility in DM basis (IVTOMDDM) of rice straw. The best results obtained from the highest level of cellulase (RS+CEL2) treatment at 40ºC for IVTDas fed, IVTDMD, IVTNDFDDM and IVTOMDDM were 62.99±0.22, 60.43±0.23, 30.70±0.23 and 63.58±0.34%, respectively. In conclusion, observed results showed that treatment of rice straw with cellulase improved the true digestibilitiy.

This study was conducted at the farm of Ruminants Research Station, Office of Agricultural Research, Ministry of Agriculture, Abu Ghraib-Baghdad. The experiment continued for 56 days, in addition to 14 days as preliminary period from 11/10/2015 until 06/12/2016 to study the effect of treating barley straw with baker's yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) on some productive performance of growing lambs. Ten Awassi lambs used in this experiment with average initial weight of 38±0.50 kg and age 8-9 months. Lambs divided randomly into two equal groups and kept in separate individual pens. Lambs fed individually on a unified concentrate diet (2.5% of body weight), while, roughages offered ad libitum. Each group fed on roughages (barley straw), as follows: 1. The first group fed untreated barley straw plus concentrate mixture and operated as control 2. The second group fed barley straw treated with baker's yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) at rate 0.5% (5 kg / tones). Animals weighed every two weeks before morning feeding. The digestibility experiment performed in the seventh week. Rumen liquor collected at fifth week of the experiment at three times (before feeding, after three and six hours from feeding). Results showed different effects among treatments. The yeast not significantly affected the feed intake, average daily gain (15-28 d), in vivo digestibility, and rumen fermentation (pH and NH3-N). Moreover, there was significant decrease (P <0.05) in daily weight gain during 29-42 d with baker's yeast compared with control (107.14 and 160.71g/d, respectively), while a significant increase (P <0.05) found in daily weight gain in the (1-14 d and 43-56 d) with baker's yeast (103.57 and 178.57 g/d, respectively) compared with control (48.33 and 142.86 g/d, respectively). We conclude that treatment with baker's yeast not improved feed conversion ratio, feed intake, intake of different nutrients, weight gains, digestibility and rumen fermentation (pH and NH3-N concentration).

BACKGROUND Ridge-furrow mulching farming system (RFMs) aims to increase field productivity and improve water use efficiency. To explore environment-friendly and efficient farming system is a central aspect of rainfed wheat field management in Kenya where rainfall utilization is at low level. We introduced RFMs (including plastic film and grass straw mulching) to semiarid Kenya to evaluate its effects on field productivity, rainwater utilization, soil quality and economic profitability using old and modern wheat cultivars from 2012 to 2013. RESULTS Across the cultivars, the RFMs increased grain yield, aboveground biomass and water use efficiency by 74-163%, 36-104% and 89-273%, respectively, compared with conventional flat planting (control). RFMs significantly shortened vegetative period while prolonged reproductive period. The net economic output under RFMs was 74-165% higher than that of controlled practice. Grass straw mulching achieved the highest economic output to input ratio, almost 45% higher than plastic film mulching did, despite the former harvested only 82% of the maximum field productivity by the latter. Compared with the control, grass straw mulching promoted the contents of soil organic carbon, total nitrogen, and C: N ratio by 14%, 8%, and 5% respectively, while the obviously decreased values in these parameters were observed under plastic mulching. CONCLUSION Through reducing soil water loss, and improving rainwater use efficiency and soil quality, ridge-furrow grass straw mulching would be a sustainable option to boost field productivity and thus ensure local food security in rainfed agricultural areas of Kenya. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

An experiment was conducted for a period of 60 days with twelve bull calves with an average live weight of 77.78 ± 10.96 kg to determine the effect of treatment of rice straw with Wood Ash Extract (WAE) on feed intake, nutritive value, growth rate and economic benefits. The experimental animals were divided into three groups A, B and C having four animals in each. They were supplied randomly with three rations following randomized complete block design. All rations were made isonitrogenous by using urea as a source of nitrogen. Animals of group A were fed untreated rice straw, whereas, group B and C were fed urea-treated and WAE treated rice straw, respectively. The chemical analysis showed that treatment of rice straw with WAE increased ash content of straw from 13.93% to 16.45% and decreased the NDF content from 67.39% to 63.00%. The daily DM intake per 100 kg live weight of diet B was significantly (P<0.01) higher than that of diet A and C. The daily CP intake per 100 kg body weight of diet B (553.3g) was significantly (P<0.05) higher than that of diet A (449.5g). Similarly, the organic matter (OM) intake in bull calves fed diet B was significantly (P<0.05) higher than those fed diet A and C. The average daily live weight gain with diet B and C was significantly (P<0.01) higher than diet A. The animals fed diet B and C were more efficient in converting feed into live weight than animals fed diet A. Treating rice straw with wood ash extract improved the nutritive value, it significantly (P<0.01) increased the apparent digestibility of DM, OM, CP, ADF and NDF. It also increased the DCP, DOM, DNDF and DADF contents of rice straw compared with untreated straw. Although the total feed cost of untreated group is lower than those of WAE and urea-treated groups, the feed cost per kg live weight gain as well as the feed cost per kg meat production of WAE and urea-treated groups were significantly (P<0.01) lower than that of untreated rice straw. It may be concluded that nutrient composition and digestibility of rice straw and live weight gain of animals can be improved by treating rice straw with wood ash extract.

This study investigated the effect of treatment of wheat straw using ammonia fiber expansion (AFEX) and exogenous fibrolytic enzymes (Viscozyme) on fiber digestibility, rumen fermentation, microbial protein synthesis and microbial populations in an artificial rumen system (RUSITEC). Four treatments were assigned to sixteen vessels (4/treatment) in two RUSITEC apparatuses in a randomized block design. Treatments were arranged as a 2 × 2 factorial using untreated or AFEX-treated wheat straw with or without exogenous fibrolytic enzymes [0 or 500 μg of protein/g straw dry matter (DM)]. Fibrolytic enzymes were applied to straw, prior to sealing in nylon bags. The concentrate mixture was provided in a separate bag within each fermentation vessel. The RUSITECs were adapted for 8 d and disappearance of DM, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF) and crude protein (CP) were measured after 48 h of incubation. Ammonia fiber expansion increased (P &lt; 0.01) the disappearance ...

The effects of cabbage waste (CW) addition on methane production in cow dung and corn straw co-fermentation systems were investigated. Four experimental groups, each containing 55 g of substrate, were set up as follows: 100% cow dung (C); 36% cabbage and 64% cow dung (CC); 36% straw and 64% cow dung (SC); and 18% cabbage, 18% straw, and 64% cow dung (CSC). After seven days of fermentation, the maximum methane yield was 134 mL in the CSC group, which was 2.81-fold, 1.78-fold, and 1340-fold higher than that obtained in the CC, SC, and C groups, respectively. CW treatment of the CSC group enhanced cellulase activity and enriched culturable cellulose-degrading bacterial strains. Miseq sequencing data revealed that the predominant phylum in the CSC group was Bacteroidetes, which contains most of the cellulose-degrading bacteria. Our results suggested that CW treatment elevated cellulose degradation and promoted methane production.

In this paper, we describe an experimental study on the hot alkali extraction of hemicelluloses from wheat straw and corn stalks, two of the most common lignocellulosic biomass constituents in Romania. The chemical compositions of the raw materials were determined analytically, and the relevant chemical components were cellulose, hemicelluloses, lignin, and ash. Using the response surface methodology, the optimum values of the hot alkaline extraction parameters, i.e., time, temperature, and NaOH concentration, were identified and experimentally validated. The physicochemical characterization of the isolated hemicelluloses was performed using HPLC, FTIR, TG, DTG, and 1H-NMR spectroscopy. The main hemicellulose components identified experimentally were xylan, arabinan, and glucan. The study emphasizes that both corn stalks and wheat straw are suitable as raw materials for hemicellulose extraction, highlighting the advantages of alkaline pretreatments and showing that optimization meth...

In the Philippines, rice straw is an agricultural waste product which is disposed through incineration. Using it as a composite material in green building construction can reduce cost and environmental hazards caused by crop burning. A fiber (rice straw) reinforced concrete, through proper mixing and proportion of its design, can achieve good strength and insulation properties. This study focuses on determining the effectiveness of rice straw/stalk with cement as an alternative eco-friendly and light building material. Moreover, this study aims to determine the effects of using various percentages of chopped rice straw in different concrete mixtures to optimize the compressive strength of the composite material. The rice straw samples used for this study came from Barangay Salvacion, Tabaco, Albay. The samples were dried in various drying durations of five days, eight days and 10 days and then cured in water for 24 hours. Afterward, concrete cylinder samples using steel molds were prepared for compressive strength determination. In the concrete mixes, different proportions were prepared by replacing the coarse aggregates with 25 percent, 50 percent and 100 percent rice straw. In the course of mixing the composite materials, water retardant and foaming agent admixtures were also introduced. The samples were cured for one day, three days, seven days, 14 days, and 28 days for compressive strength determinations. The results show that the compressive strength is inversely proportional with the rice straw content of concrete. The sample with 100 percent rice straw replacement attained a compressive strength value of 266.00 psi on the 28 th day of curing while the zero percent rice straw attained 1,526.00 psi. The compressive strength value was found to be reduced by at most 82.56 percent. Using 100 percent rice straw as aggregates decreased the mixtures' workability resulting to a higher concrete water demand but also made it lighter with decreased density, hence making it lightweight. An air entraining admixture was mixed with plasticizer to help increase the workability of the concrete mixture.

Actinomycetes are well known as lignocellulose decomposers. Forty-two cellulolytic actinomycete isolates have been recovered from soil. Those were identiWed to the genus level as: Streptomyces (26 isolates), Nocardiopsis (5 isolates), Micromonospora (4 isolates), Nocardioides (4 isolates) in addition to three isolates tentatively identiWed as Nocardia, Kibdelosporangium and Saccharomonospora. These actinomycetes were examined for their cellulolytic activity using Wlter paper strips and rice straw pieces. Four isolates of the four genera Kibdelosporangium, Micromonospora, Streptomyces and Nocardioides were able to eYciently degrade rice straw pieces in minimal medium causing signiWcant weight loss between 50 and 61%. Application of this knowledge may improve the management of waste rice straw.

The purpose of this study was to determine the nutritional value of corn straw yellow Manado and hybrid varieties fermented with effective microorganisms (EM4). The study was conducted in Kawangkoan Bawah Village, West Amurang District. The analysis was performed at the Laboratory of Chemical Industry Research and Standards (Baristand) Ministry of Industry, Manado. This study used an experimental design methos, a Completely Randomized Factorial pattern consisting of two factors. The first factor was using varieties of hybrid maize straw Manado Kuning and Bisi 2; The second factor was using corn straw (P0), fermented corn straw material without the fermentation process (P1) and fermented corn straw (P2). The results of variance analysis showed that the varieties, and different level of fermentation were highly significant (P <0.01) in affecting crude fiber, crude protein, and energy. While the interaction variety and fermentation showed a significant difference (P <0, 01) to the content of crude fiber and protein, their interaction gave no significant difference (P>0,05) to the energy level. Further analysis indicated that fermented corn straw gave a significant (P<0,01) results compared to corn straw and fermented corn straw without fermentation on protein content, crude fiber and energy level.

Twenty Karan Fries male calves of 6–12 month of age were selected and distributed randomly on the basis of body weight into four groups of 5 animals each. The basal ration was formulated as per NRC (2001) feeding standards and the animals in group 1 and 2 were fed on ground nut cake (GNC) and group 3–4 on mustard cake (MC) at two levels along with basal ration consisting of wheat straw and green fodder. The adaptation period consisted of 21 days followed by a 7 days metabolic trial for the assessment of bioavailability of major minerals. Apparent absorption of Ca in mustard cake fed groups (groups 3 and 4) was found to be significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher (50.72 and 54.47%) than the GNC fed group 1 and 2 (40.92 and 42.86%). The bioavailability of P was higher (P&lt;0.05) in mustard fed group 3 and 4 (41.63 and 46.25%) than GNC fed group 1 and 2 (35.47 and 38.31%). Similarly, Mg absorption was significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher in group 3 and 4 (40.43 and 42.08%) than groups 1 and 2 (36...

Present study deals with enhanced saccharification of paddy straw by optimizing various physical and chemical pretreatments such as steam explosion, temperature and treatment with hydrogen chloride, a highly electronegative acid. The amount of breakdown of lignin, hemi-cellulose & cellulose was determined using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). The maximum amount of breakdown of lignin is observed for 90minutes duration at wave number 1462.88cm-1 and maximum exposure of xylan is observed at wave number 1602.9cm-1for 90 minutes exposure to steam explosion. In coupled pretreatment method (steam explosion & acidic simultaneously given) maximum cellulose breakdown took place after acidic pretreatment followed by steam explosion which was observed by FTIR at 1320.32cm-1 wave number simultaneously histological changes were determined by staining and visualization at 10X using saffranin dye. In the qualitative analysis using High Pressure Liquid Chromatography of sample after...

This paper reports the structure and properties of novel long natural cellulose fibers obtained from rice straw. Rice straw fibers have 64% cellulose with 63% crystalline cellulose, strength of 3.5 g/denier (450 MPa), elongation of 2.2%, and modulus of 200 g/denier (26 GPa), similar to that of linen fibers. The rice straw fibers reported here have better properties than any other natural cellulose fiber obtained from an agricultural byproduct. With a worldwide annual availability of 580 million tons, rice straw is an annually renewable, abundant, and cheap source for natural cellulose fibers. Using rice straw for high-value fibrous applications will help to add value to the rice crops, provide a sustainable resource for fibers, and also benefit the environment.

Eight Ongole Crossbred young bulls (aged 1.5 years; weight 217.5 kg) were used to study the effect of level concentrate supplementations to the rice straw on the energy utilization. Animals were randomly divided into two groups, first group were fed on 50% concentrate supplementation (C50), and the second group were fed on 70% concentrate supplementation (C70). The concentrate feed composed of rice bran and wheat bran at a ratio of 50:50. The rice straw was given to animals ad libitum. The parameters observed were daily intake of dry matter (DMI), gross energy (GE), fecal energy (FE), urine energy (UE), methane gas energy (CH4E) and daily body weight (BW) gain by total collection method for 7 days. Energy loss as methane gas was calculated by using the Kurihara’s equation of methane gas production. The average daily BW gain was measured after the animal being raised for 12 weeks. The data were analyzed using the t-test. The results showed DMI and GEI of cattle fed C70 was higher (P&...

This study was carried out to investigate the characteristics of silica extracted from rice straw obtained from rice farming region of Pekalongan. The silica was obtained using sol-gel method, which involves extraction of silica using alkalis solution and gelation of the silica using acid solution. It was found that the highest yield was obtained from the extraction using 5% KOH solution with the extraction time of 60 minutes, and gelation pH of 7.0. The SiO 2 chemical composition was confirmed by EDS and FTIR and the amorphous by XRD. SEM analysis indicates the existence of various particle sizes distributed irregularly, which reflects that homogeneous sample has not been achieved in this study. Nanosilica powders with a 45,3869 nm average poresize and have specific surface (94,761 m 2 /g). Silica nanoparticle fertilizer applied to various plants such as peanuts, tomato and soybean. Based on the research can be seen that the plant height and number of leaves of plants with nanosili...

... Kufri Jyoti 9.3 16.5 12.9 0.45 1.64 1.05 61 36 49 5 3 Kufri Megha 13.7 13.8 13.8 0.83 7.00 3.92 40 24 32 3 2 Naintal 9.6 16.5 13.0 0.44 0.85 0.65 77 45 61 7 6 ... Amer. J. Potato Res. 77: 225-32. 3. Farooq, K., MM Mahmood, R. Sher, DI Khan and AR Khan. 2002. ...

Amylases are one of the most important enzymes in present-day biotechnology. The present study was concerned with the production and partial characterization of extracellular amylase from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens P-001. The effect of various fermentation conditions on amylase production through shake-flask culture was investigated. Enzyme production was induced by a variety of starchy substrate but corn flour was found to be a suitable natural source for maximum production. Tryptone and ammonium nitrate (0.2%) as nitrogen sources gave higher yield compared to other nitrogen sources. Maximum enzyme production was obtained after 48 hrs of incubation in a fermentation medium with initial pH 9.0 at 42°C under continuous agitation at 150 rpm. The size of inoculum was also optimized which was found to be 1% (v/v). Enzyme production was 2.43 times higher after optimizing the production conditions as compared to the basal media. Studies on crude amylase revealed that optimum pH, temperature and reaction time of enzyme activity was 6.5, 60°C and 40 minutes respectively. About 73% of the activity retained after heating the crude enzyme solution at 50°C for 30 min. The enzyme was activated by Ca 2+ (relative activity 146.25%). It was strongly inhibited by Mn 2+ , Zn 2+ and Cu 2+ , but less affected by Mg 2+ and Fe 2+ .

A 2-year field experiment was conducted at the Experimental Farm of Rice Research and Training Center (RRTC), Sakha, Kafer El-Sheikh, Egypt, during 2013 and 2014 rice growing seasons to study the impact of some organic materials combined with different levels of mineral nitrogen on Giza 179 rice cultivar. The field experiment was laidout in a split-plot design with four replications. The main plots were devoted to nitrogen levels (0, 55, 110 and 165 kg N ha -1 ). The sub plots were allocated to the organic materials (control, chopped rice straw, farm yard manure and rice straw compost). The studied characters were plant height at harvest, number of panicle m -2 , panicle weight, number of grains panicle -1 , filled grain %, 1000-grain weight, grain yield, straw yield, hulling, milling, and head rice percentages. With the exception of 1000-grain weight that was negatively affected by nitrogen, all studied characters were positively and significantly affected by nitrogen, organic materials and the interaction. However, hulling % was affected significantly by only mineral fertilizer. Most of the studied characters produced the highest values when the organic materials were combined with mineral fertilizer. Adequate application of mineral nitrogen combined with farmyard manure or compost could increase soil organic matter content.