Transforming rice straw for sustainable agricultural practices

Rice cultivation leads to the production of substantial amounts of inedible biomass, mainly the straw and husks. Farmers can get plenty of rice straw as agricultural waste and they find burning of straw as the easiest method of disposal. This extensive combustion of straw leads to the elevated levels of air pollution, leading to health problems. However, the lignocellulose nature of rice straw is worth exploring its alternate uses in sustainable value chains. In this paper, physiochemical and thermal properties of rice straw have been explored for its potential applications. Problems faced for the disposal of rice straw have been presented along with the potential techniques for management. Environment friendly uses of rice straw, including the pulp-paper making, mushroom cultivation, soil nutrition, power generation, bio-composite production, etc. have been explored through a comprehensive literature review. This research aims to offer eco-friendly disposal of rice straw along with beneficial applications.