<div>Background: Continuous rice cultivation has a negative effect on sustainable rice production. Crop rotation can increase the yield and soil quality. This study aimed to provide information on the morpho-physiological fingerprints of rice cultivars in different crop rotation systems. 
 
Methods: Twelve rice cultivars were evaluated in terms of their morpho-physiological in three crop rotation systems, i.e., rice-rice-rice, maize-maize-rice (M-M-R) and vegetable-vegetable-rice, at the Agrotechnology Innovation Center, Universitas Gadjah Mada at Berbah District, Sleman Regency, Special Province of Yogyakarta, Indonesia, from December 2020 to June 2021. 
 
Result: The results revealed an interaction between rice cultivars and the crop rotation system, with the effects observed on the nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium contents in the leaf tissue (NC, PC and KC, respectively), crop growth rate, total dry weight per clump, empty grain per clump (EG) and grain weight per clump (GWC). The increase in NC, PC and KC positively affected the increase in GWC. The GM 8 cultivar in the M-M-R crop rotation system showed lowest EG of 3% and highest GWC of 133.90 g clump-1.</div>

Studies on Morpho-physiological Fingerprints of Rice Cultivars in Rice Crop in Rice-Rice-Rice, Maize-Maize-Rice and Vegetable-Vegetable-Rice Cropping Systems

<div>Background: Effective in-situ decomposition of rice straw is urgent need for enhancing soil health, supporting nutrient cycling and mitigating the widespread practice of residue burning. This study aim to screen and characterizes potential lignocellulolytic producing microbial isolates and evaluate their efficiency in accelerating rice straw decomposition under pot condition and their subsequent impact on soil biochemical properties and microbial activity under field condition. 
 
Methods: A wide range of bacterial and fungal isolates were screened for lignocellulolytic enzyme production. Eighteen promising crop residue decomposers (CRDs) were applied on rice straw with three replications under complete randomized design (CRD). Their effects on key enzymes (&beta;-glucosidase, protease, xylanase and chitinase), microbial populations, biomass carbon and nitrogen, basal respiration and overall soil properties were evaluated under controlled conditions. 
 
Result: The inoculation CRDs on rice straw recorded significantly greater microbial counts, microbial biomass C and N, basal soil respiration, soil enzymes and soil properties over the control. Microbial counts (bacterial, actinomycetes and fungal), microbial biomass C, N and basal respiration were recorded highest in the T4-CRDB48, closely followed by T12-CRDB24, T5-CRDB52, T17-CRDF32 and T15-CRDF8. CRD inoculation also enhanced enzymatic activities (&beta;-glucosidase: 7.77-32.0 &mu;g PNP/ g soil/h, xylanase: 32.3-132.8 &mu;g GE/g soil/h), microbial counts and soil quality parameters significantly over the control. Inoculation of T15-CRDB48 recorded the highest SOC (0.54%), followed by T5-CRDB52 (0.52%) and T17-CRDF32 (0.50%) over control (0.38%) after decomposition of rice straw, respectively. The CRDB24, CRDB48 and CRDB52 bacteria isolates were identified by using 16S rRNA gene sequencing as Bacillus haynesii, Bacillus altitudinis and Bacillus stratosphericus, while CRDF8 and CRDF32 fungal isolates were identified by ITS region sequencing as Fusarium oxysporum and Aspergillus fumigates, respectively. The selected microbial inoculants effectively accelerated rice straw decomposition and improved soil biological and chemical properties. These findings exhibited their potential that can be used in sustainable residue management strategies liable to enhance soil health and reduce the environmental impact of straw burning.</div>

Microbial Inoculation Enhances Rice Straw Decomposition and Improves Soil Health

Background: An experimental study was conducted to explore the feasibility of partially substituting biochar in cement, for making concrete mixture in civil infrastructures. The biochar was derived from the pyrolysis process in thermo-chemical conversion of the most under-utilized agricultural residue i.e. rice straw. Demand of cement is increasing day by day due to fast growth of construction sector all around the world. The current scenario of rampant on-farm burning of rice straw is a great concern not only for maintaining the fertility aspects of the cultivating land but also for the degradation of surrounding environment. Production of cement is equally very energy intensive and contributes a lot in emitting greenhouse gases, mostly carbon dioxide to the environment. An attempt was therefore made in the present study to partially replace the rice straw biochar with cement to reduce the production of the later and to evaluate the key performance parameters of biochar based concrete.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: The study was carried out in the Department of Agricultural Structures, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India during 2021-22. Microwave assisted pyrolysis was followed for quick and efficient heating of the biomass feedstock. Efforts was also made to supply power to the microwave pyrolyser from a reliable source of power i.e. solar photovoltaic system for its popularization even in remote and off-grid rural areas.&nbsp; 
 
Result: The yield of biochar was found to be higher (about 28%) at 600 W input power to the microwave reactor and 15 minutes&rsquo; reaction time in the pyrolysis process of rice straw. The performance parameters of biochar based concrete such as initial setting times, final setting times and workability were found to be decreased by 8, 5 and 9% respectively and compressive, split tensile and flexural strengths were increased by 13, 18 and 5% respectively compared to the reference concrete. Biochar from rice straw can hence ultimately be utilized as partial replacement of cement for use in construction industry.

Conversion of Rice Straw to Biochar Through Microwave Pyrolysis for its Use as Partial Replacement of Cement

<div style="text-align:justify">The effects of rice straw silage with combined additives (RSSA) of Lactobacillus plantarum, Trichoderma viride and wheat bran on growth performance, digestibility and rumen fermentation in growing lambs were investigated. Twelve growing lambs with initial body weight (BW &plusmn; SD) of 12.8 &plusmn; 0.4 kg were selected and randomly divided into 2 groups. These lambs were fed with rice straw silage (25%, on the dry matter intake (DMI) without additives (RSSW) and 25% RSSA supplementation respectively. The growth performance, nutrients digestibility and rumen fermentation parameters of growing lambs were determined. The results of this study showed that the average daily gain (ADG) and the feed conversion ratio (FCR) were significantly increased by the RSSA supplementation as compared to the RSSW supplementation (P&lt; 0.05). The apparent digestibility of dry matter (DM), as well as neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) was significantly increased by RSSA supplementation (P&lt;0.05). Moreover, the microbial crude protein (MCP), total volatile fatty acids (TVFA), acetate, butyrate and valeric acid concentrations in rumen fluid were significantly enhanced by the RSSA supplementation (P&lt;0.05). In conclusion, rice straw silage with L. plantarum, T. viride and wheat bran can enhance the overall growth performance, rumen fermentation and apparent digestibility of nutrients in the growing lambs.</div>

<div>Effects of Rice Straw Silage with Combining Additives of Lactobacillus Plantarum, Trichoderma Viride and Wheat Bran on the Growth Performance, Digestibility and Rumen Fermentation in Growing Lambs&nbsp;</div>

Field experiment was conducted at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana on direct seeded rice (DSR) with tillage systems and nitrogen (N) levels. The highest grain yield of DSR was recorded in zero tillage with wheat straw (ZTWS), which was statistically at par with zero tillage without wheat straw (ZTWOS). The application of 125 kg N/ha gave the maximum grain yield, which was at par with 100 kg N/ha. The ZTWS at 100 kg N/ha registered higher grain yield, which was at par with ZTWOS at 125 kg N/ha. However, the higher grain yield was recorded with the application of 125 kg N/ha under conventional tillage with wheat straw (CTWS) and with 150 kg N/ha in conventional tillage without wheat straw (CTWOS). Therefore, rice can be grown with ZTWS and ZTWOS with the application of 100 and 125 kg N/ha, respectively for higher productivity at low cost of cultivation by skipping the tillage operation at the time of sowing under the condition of loamy sand soils of Punjab.&nbsp;

Direct seeded rice (Oryza sativa L.) under tillage systems&nbsp;with wheat straw and nitrogen levels

<div>Background: The incorporation of rice straw and the application of nitrogen are key factors influencing wheat production. Rice straw, as a residue, contributes to soil organic matter and nutrient cycling while nitrogen is crucial for plant growth and grain development. Understanding their combined impact is essential for optimizing wheat yield and improving grain quality in sustainable agricultural systems. 
&nbsp; 
Methods: The study was conducted at Research Farm, Division of Agronomy, Lovely Professional University during rabi 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 focused on the impact of various rice straw management practices and nitrogen levels on the yield and quality of wheat emphasizing the importance of sustainable agricultural practices. The experimental field had sandy loam soil with slightly alkaline pH (7.6), moderate organic carbon content alongside low concentrations of essential nutrients viz, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. It comprised 12 treatments arranged in split plot design and replicated three times to evaluate two main factors Rice Straw management: S0: Control, S1: Super seeder and S2: Pusa bio decomposer and nitrogen levels: N0&nbsp;: Control (no nitrogen), N1: 75% of the recommended dose (RDN), N2: 100% of RDN, N3&nbsp;: 125% of RDN. 
&nbsp; 
Result: The results demonstrated that the S2&nbsp;and N3&nbsp;treatments significantly improved wheat performance, with the highest values for effective tillers (93.58, 91.74/m row), grains per spike (43.71, 42.20)&nbsp;and test weight (43.30, 42.23 g). Grain yield peaked at 49.75 q/ha (S2) and 51.26 q/ha (N3), while straw yield and biological yield also showed corresponding increases. The harvest index, although non-significant, reflects trends consistent with these yield improvements. Quality attributes were enhanced under S2&nbsp;and N3&nbsp;treatments, with maximum protein content (12.88%, 12.53%), protein yield (905.44 kg/ha, 854.94 kg/ha)&nbsp;and levels of essential amino acids (lysine, tryptophan, phenylalanine).</div>

Impact of Rice Straw and Nitrogen Levels on Yield and Quality of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Background: The combined application of nitrogen and the incorporation of rice straw play a vital role in enhancing wheat productivity. Rice straw contributes to the enrichment of soil organic matter and supports nutrient cycling, while nitrogen is essential for promoting plant growth and grain development. Understanding the synergistic effects of these two inputs is critical for optimizing wheat yield and improving grain quality within sustainable agricultural systems. 
 
Methods: The study was conducted at Research Farm, Division of Agronomy, Lovely Professional University During rabi 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 and focused on the impact of various rice straw management practices and nitrogen levels on the yield and quality of wheat that emphasizing the importance of sustainable agricultural practices. The experimental field had sandy loam soil with slightly alkaline pH (7.6), medium in organic carbon, phosphorus and potassium alongside low concentrations of nitrogen. It comprised 12 treatments combinations arranged in Split plot Design and replicated three times to evaluate two factors in main plot (1) Rice Straw management: S0&nbsp;(without straw), S1 (Super Seeder) and S2 (Pusa Bio Decomposer) and (2) Subplot Nitrogen levels N0: (Control), N1: (75% RDN), N2: (100% RDN) N3: (125% RDN). 
 
Result: The results indicated that among the different straw management practices, S&sbquo;&nbsp; (Straw decomposed by Pusa decomposer) significantly enhanced wheat grain yield (49.75 q/ha), straw yield (69.87 q/ha), biological yield (120.00 q/ha) and test weight (43.30 g) compared to other treatments. Similarly, nitrogen levels had a significant impact on wheat performance. The highest grain yield (51.26 q/ha), straw yield (67.71 q/ha), biological yield (118.97 q/ha) and test weight (42.23 g) were recorded under N3&nbsp;(125% RDN). However, these values were statistically at par with N&sbquo; (100% RDN). The harvest index was found to be non-significant for both main plot and subplot treatments. Nutrient uptake in grain (103.60 kg N/ha, 19.89 kg P/ha and 24.40 kg K/ha) and straw (36.09 kg N/ha, 9.77 kg P/ha and 125.37 kg K/ha) was significantly enhanced under S&sbquo; (Straw decomposed by Pusa decomposer). Among nitrogen levels, the highest nutrient uptake in grain was recorded under N&fnof;&nbsp; (125% RDN) with 103.64 kg N/ha, 19.71 kg P/ha and 24.74 kg K/ha, while in straw, it was 34.07 kg N/ha, 9.28 kg P/ha and 117.70 kg K/ha. These values were statistically at par with those under N&sbquo; (100% RDN).

Impact of Different Rice Straw Management Techniques and Nitrogen Levels on Yield and Nutrient Uptake in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Background: Rice, a staple cereal, serves as the primary food for almost 50% of the world&cent;s population. Nitrogen is the predominant mineral element found in crops and serves as the primary constraint on Rice production. Direct-seeded rice cultivation has emerged as a potential alternative to traditional transplanting method. The goal is to provide insights that may be used to build sustainable agricultural methods that are specifically designed for Basmati rice production. 
 
Methods: This study aim to evaluate the effect of different N application levels (M1: 0 kg ha-1, M2: 40 kg ha-1 and&nbsp; M3: 60 kg ha-1) options as first factor with four microbial inoculation treatments (S1-Control, S2-Azosprillum (618g/ha) + Streptomyces&rsquo;s (618g/ha), S3- Consortium (1235 g/ha) and S4-AMF (1235 g/ha). The experiment was conducted using a split-plot design (SPD) with three replications. 
 
Result: The study revealed that the maximum yield and yield attributes viz. plant height (116.47 cm), effective tillers ( 354.13 m2),leaf area index (2.64), no. of grains per panicle(84.17), length of panicle (24.66 cm), no. of filled grains per panicle (125.0), grain yield (54.30 q ha-1), straw yield ( 80.42 q ha-1), biological yield (134.72 q ha-1) and 1000-grain weight (24.64 g), maximum protein content (%) in grains (8.73%), straw (5.78%) was recorded in M3S2 i.e. 60 kg N ha-1 with azosprillum (618 g/ha) + streptomyces&#39;s (618 g/ha) significantly highest compared to other nitrogen levels and microbial inoculation treatments. Hence, the application of N @ 60 kg ha-1 along with azosprillum (618 g/ha)+Streptomyces&cent;s (618 g/ha) can be suggested to achieve higher rice grain yield, yield attributes and nitrogen content in grain and straw in DSR.

Influence of Nitrogen Levels and Microbial Inoculation on Growth, Yield and Straw of Direct Seeded Basmati Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

<div>Background: Paddy straw is a good source of plant nutrients. In-situ incorporation of paddy straw affects the growth and development of succeeding rice crop by immobilization of soil available nutrients. To overcome this, paddy straw incorporated with additives and its effect on rice growth and development was studied. 
 
Methods: A field experiment was conducted at Agricultural College and Research Institute, Killikulam during October 2014 to February 2015, to study the residue management options in combine harvested rice and its effect on yield and economic benefits of rice crop. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design and replicated thrice. The treatments comprised rice residue without and with additives (25 kg additional N ha-1 as basal, bio-mineralizer (2 kg t-1&nbsp;rice residue), cow dung slurry (5%). The additives applied individually, combination of two and combination of all additives.&nbsp; 
 
Result: Different rice residue management practices exerted significant influence on succeeding rice crop. Increased number of productive tillers (409), number of grains per panicle (162), panicle length (23.8 cm), number of filled grains per panicle (132) and spikelet filled percentage (87) was recorded by T8, where straw incorporated with application of 25 kg additional N ha-1 as &nbsp;basal + bio-mineralizer (2 kg t-1 of rice residue) + cow dung slurry (5%). The same treatment recorded highest grain yield of 7395 kg ha-1 and straw yield of 8440 kg ha-1 and it reflected as maximum value of ₹ 1,13,646 ha-1 , 69,079 ha-1 and 2.55 of gross return, net return and B:C ratio, respectively.</div>

<div>Study on Residue Management Options in Combine Harvested Rice Field in Relation to Yield and Economic Benefits of Succeeding Rice Crop</div>

<div style="text-align: justify;">Background: Rice and buckwheat, due to their gluten free nature, is an important crop to cope up with increasing worldwide high demands for gluten free foods. Therefore, before making product, amylose, gluten and moisture content of the flours were investigated. Methods: Two varieties of rice, non waxy (Bahadur) and waxy (Aghuni bora) and buckwheat flour were selected to investigate amylose, gluten and moisture content by following standard methods for developing a rice based gluten free biscuit which will be suitable for celiac patient. Result: Amylose content of waxy rice was found to be 0.81 per cent, non waxy rice was 27.2 per cent and buckwheat flour 25 per cent. Moisture content ranged from 10.80g/100g to 12.20g/100g in all ingredients. Highest moisture content was found in buckwheat flour being 12.20g/100g and lowest in non waxy rice flour 10.80g/100g. Gluten was not detected in any of the flours. Thus, flours which were tested for amylose, gluten and moisture content are found to be suitable for making gluten free biscuit by substituting wheat flour with rice flour and the judicious combination of waxy and non waxy rice flour will also be very good to overcome problems of dough handling and binding.</div>

<div style="text-align: justify;">Amylose, Gluten and Moisture Content of Non-waxy Rice &nbsp;(Bahadur), Waxy Rice (Aghuni bora) and Buckwheat for Development of &nbsp;Rice Based Gluten Free Biscuit</div>

Studies on Morpho-physiological Fingerprints of Rice Cultivars in Rice Crop in Rice-Rice-Rice, Maize-Maize-Rice and Vegetable-Vegetable-Rice Cropping Systems

Microbial Inoculation Enhances Rice Straw Decomposition and Improves Soil Health

Conversion of Rice Straw to Biochar Through Microwave Pyrolysis for its Use as Partial Replacement of Cement

Effects of Rice Straw Silage with Combining Additives of Lactobacillus Plantarum, Trichoderma Viride and Wheat Bran on the Growth Performance, Digestibility and Rumen Fermentation in Growing Lambs

Direct seeded rice (Oryza sativa L.) under tillage systems with wheat straw and nitrogen levels

Impact of Rice Straw and Nitrogen Levels on Yield and Quality of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Impact of Different Rice Straw Management Techniques and Nitrogen Levels on Yield and Nutrient Uptake in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Influence of Nitrogen Levels and Microbial Inoculation on Growth, Yield and Straw of Direct Seeded Basmati Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Study on Residue Management Options in Combine Harvested Rice Field in Relation to Yield and Economic Benefits of Succeeding Rice Crop

Amylose, Gluten and Moisture Content of Non-waxy Rice (Bahadur), Waxy Rice (Aghuni bora) and Buckwheat for Development of Rice Based Gluten Free Biscuit