The recent study published in Discover Sustainability by Md. Habibullah Siddiki and a team of researchers from Habiganj Agricultural University explores how regenerative agriculture can transform rice production. As global food security faces challenges from declining soil health, this research demonstrates that integrating organic amendments like compost, biochar, and ash with reduced chemical fertilizers offers a superior path forward. By moving beyond simple input substitution, these regenerative methods focus on rebuilding the soil ecosystem while maintaining the high productivity necessary for smallholder farmers. The findings suggest that we can break the cycle of excessive synthetic fertilizer dependence without compromising the staple food supply for millions.

The most striking result from the field trials was the exceptional performance of compost-amended plots. Rice plants treated with compost reached a height of nearly 108 centimeters and produced significantly more effective tillers than those grown under conventional chemical regimes. These physical improvements led directly to higher yields, with compost plots producing approximately six tons of grain per hectare. This achievement is particularly notable because it outperformed the standard recommended dose of chemical fertilizers, which produced only about five tons per hectare. The success of compost is attributed to its balanced nutrient profile and its ability to stimulate beneficial microbial activity that keeps nutrients available throughout the entire growing season.

Biochar and ash also proved to be powerful tools for regenerative farming. Plots treated with biochar achieved a grain yield of 5.55 tons per hectare, while ash-treated plots reached 5.25 tons. These results are significant because both treatments completely omitted chemical potassium fertilizer, relying instead on the natural potassium found within the organic materials and the soil itself. This demonstrates that farmers can reduce their dependency on imported or synthetic minerals by recycling local organic waste. Biochar benefited the soil through its porous structure that holds onto moisture and nutrients, while ash provided a liming effect that improved the pHpH is a measure of how acidic or alkaline a substance is. A pH of 7 is neutral, while lower pH values indicate acidity and higher values indicate alkalinity. Biochars are normally alkaline and can influence soil pH, often increasing it, which can be beneficial More of the moderately acidic soil.

Beyond the immediate harvest, the study highlighted the impressive ability of these amendments to build long-term soil capital. Post-harvest analysis showed that the soil in compost plots was much richer in nitrogen and phosphorus compared to plots that received only chemical fertilizers. Specifically, compost increased residual soil nitrogen to nearly one percent, a massive jump from the tiny amounts left in the control plots. Ash treatment was particularly effective at boosting residual potassium levels, leaving behind nearly 58 milligrams per kilogram of the nutrient. These elevated nutrient levels act as a buffer for future crops, creating a more resilient and self-sustaining farming system that aligns with global sustainability goals like Zero Hunger and Climate Action.

The research clarifies that these yield gains were driven by an overall increase in total plant biomassBiomass is a complex biological organic or non-organic solid product derived from living or recently living organism and available naturally. Various types of wastes such as animal manure, waste paper, sludge and many industrial wastes are also treated as biomass because like natural biomass these More rather than a change in how the plant distributes its energy. Essentially, the organic amendments provided a better living environment, allowing the rice to grow larger and more vigorously. This holistic improvement in plant health and soil fertility provides a clear and practical pathway for rice-dependent regions to adopt climate-smart agriculture. By integrating compost, biochar, or ash into their management plans, farmers can protect their livelihoods, restore their land, and contribute to a more sustainable global food system.

Source: Siddiki, M. H., Fagun, I. A., Rashid, M. M., Chakraborty, B., Ahamed, T., & Siddik, M. A. (2025). Evaluation of regenerative agriculture approaches integrating compost, biochar, and ash with reduced chemical fertilizers to enhance rice production and soil fertility. Discover Sustainability, 6, 1430.