Enhancing Sustainable Agriculture in Semi-Arid Regions: The Impact of Rice Straw and Biochar on Soil Quality and Crop Yield

This study examines sustainable agricultural practices in semi-arid regions, focusing on the impact of rice straw and biochar on soil quality and crop yield. Organic amendments, nutrient richness, and cultivation technologies are explored to address environmental stresses and promote long-term carbon sequestration, offering insights for optimizing agricultural practices.

March 8, 2024

1–2 minutes

Azim, Wang, et al (2014) Exploring the Potential of Straw and 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 Application on Soil Quality Indicators and Crop Yield in Semi-arid Regions. Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42729-024-01668-2

This study explores the challenges faced by sessile plants in semi-arid regions, where soil erosion, low fertility, and drought pose threats to agriculture. The research aims to address these issues through the investigation of the impact of rice straw and rice straw-derived biochar on soil quality, water use efficiency (WUE), and crop yield.

Analyzing articles published from 2008 to 2023, the study emphasizes the crucial role of organic amendments in improving soil parameters such as organic carbon, 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, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, microorganisms, and enzyme activity. The results suggest that rice straw and its biochar counterpart exhibit superior elemental composition and efficacy across different soil types and crop cultivation compared to wheat and maize counterparts.

Notably, rice biochar is highlighted for its nutrient richness, making it a preferred choice for promoting soil fertility and long-term carbon sequestration. The study recommends integrating suitable cultivation technology, such as ridge-furrow rainwater harvesting, with rice straw and biochar applications to mitigate issues related to land degradation, low fertility, WUE, and crop yield in semi-arid regions.

In summary, the quantitative assessment presented in this study provides a scientific foundation for optimizing organic materials, emphasizing their positive impact on soil quality improvement and increased crop yield in challenging semi-arid conditions.