Actinobacteria-Enhanced Straw Recycling for Crop Yield, Soil Fertility, and Aquatic Ecosystem Protection

The burning of paddy straw is linked to significant resource waste, environmental pollution, and adverse health effects. Additionally, the release of toxic pollutants from straw burning contaminates aquatic ecosystems, disrupting water quality and biodiversity. This study explored eco-friendly alternatives to straw burning depending on the lignocellulolytic activity of actinobacterial strains. It was hypothesized that specific actinobacterial isolates could effectively degrade lignocellulosic materials, thereby enhancing soil fertility. Semi-solid fermentation was conducted with the promising candidate, Streptomyces coelicolor strain W21.24, followed by a greenhouse experiment comparing soil properties in control pots versus those treated with residual straw from the fermentation process. Significant improvements in soil properties were observed for the treated group, including pH increase from 5.1 to 5.7 (P< 0.001), phosphorus from 0.681% to 0.729% (P= 0.021), potassium from 0.438% to 0.8% (P< 0.001), nitrogen from 3.58% to 0.4% (P= 0.005), and carbon content from 41.63% to 44.22% (P< 0.001), indicating enhanced soil quality. Additionally, the growth of Vigna unguiculata L. Walp was significantly improved, with average shoot heights of 114.15cm in the treated group versus 84.15cm in the control (P= 0.044). The fruit count showed a 55.7% increase (P= 0.002), while the flower count increased by 47.3% (P= 0.041). These results demonstrated positive effects on the above-ground growth. These findings show the benefits of returning organic matter to the soil and introduce an innovative method for utilizing actinobacteria in sustainable agriculture.