In a comprehensive research study published in the journal Discover Agriculture, lead author Yilikal Melak Assaye and his team investigate a practical solution to the persistent problem of low rice productivity in the Fogera Plain of Ethiopia. The researchers focused on the implementation of seed coating technology using rice husk biocharBiochar is a carbon-rich material created from biomass decomposition in low-oxygen conditions. It has important applications in environmental remediation, soil improvement, agriculture, carbon sequestration, energy storage, and sustainable materials, promoting efficiency and reducing waste in various contexts while addressing climate change challenges. More, a byproduct of rice milling that is often discarded as waste. By repurposing these husks through a controlled burning process, the study identifies a sustainable agricultural strategy to overcome challenges such as slow seedling emergence and poor growth. The findings suggest that this low-cost innovation can transform regional food security by maximizing the potential of improved seed varieties like the Selam rice variety under local rain-fed conditions.

The core finding of the research highlights that the specific concentration of the biochar coating is critical to achieving the best agricultural results. While several different ratios were tested, the twenty percent concentration of rice husk biochar per kilogram of seed consistently outperformed all other treatments. This specific level of coating resulted in a standard germination rate of over ninety-five percent, which is a massive improvement over the sixty-six percent observed in untreated seeds. Beyond just the number of seeds that sprouted, the speed of germination was also significantly faster, allowing the crop to establish itself more quickly in the field. This rapid development is essential for plants to successfully compete with weeds and withstand environmental stresses early in the growing season.

The physical growth of the rice plants showed remarkable improvements when the optimal twenty percent biochar coating was applied. The researchers observed that these plants grew to an average height of over eighty-seven centimeters, whereas the plants grown from uncoated seeds reached only about sixty-eight centimeters. Furthermore, the length of the panicles—the part of the plant that holds the grain—increased significantly, which directly contributes to the plant’s ability to produce more food. The study also noted a substantial increase in the total above-ground 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, with the twenty percent treatment producing eight and a half tons per hectare compared to just over four tons for the control. This indicates that the biochar helps the plant build a much stronger vegetative foundation.

One of the most valuable outcomes for farmers is the significant reduction in grain discoloration and the number of unfilled grains per panicle. Seed discoloration is a major factor that negatively affects the market value of rice, and this study found that the biochar coating acted as a protective barrier, resulting in the lowest incidence of contaminated seeds among all tested groups. Additionally, the plants treated with the twenty percent ratio had less than half the number of unfilled grains compared to the control group. This improvement in grain filling ensures that the final harvest is not only larger in volume but also superior in quality, making it much more profitable for local agricultural workers.

The economic analysis provided by the researchers underscores the transformative potential of this technology for the Ethiopian agricultural sector. By investing in the biochar coating process, farmers can see their net benefits jump from approximately 182,500 Ethiopian Birr per hectare to over 302,800 Birr. This dramatic increase in profit is driven by the seventy-eight percent rise in total grain output. The study concludes that using a twenty percent concentration of rice husk biochar is a highly effective management strategy. It promotes early germination, enhances plant vigor, and significantly boosts overall productivity, providing a clear and affordable path forward for sustainable rice farming in Northwestern Ethiopia and similar tropical regions.

Source: Assaye, Y. M., Molla, T., & Tikuneh, D. B. (2026). Response of rice husk biochar coating on seed quality and productivity of rice in Fogera Plain, Ethiopia. Discover Agriculture, 4(127).