<div style="text-align: justify;">A study was carried out to determine fibre and non starch polysaccharide fractions of sorghum stover, ragi straw and groundnut haulms. Sorghum stover had the significantly highest fibre fractions (NDF, ADF, Cellulose, hemicelluloses and Lignin) and non starch polysaccharide fractions (Total, Soluble and Insoluble) compared to the other two crop residues. Enzyme activity assay of cellulase, hemicellulase, xylanase and pectinase revealed multiple activities in a single enzyme. In vitro trials were carried out to evolve substrate specific customized non - starch polysaccharidase mixture for sorghum stover, ragi straw and groundnut haulm. The first trial was conducted to locate the range of enzymes required for maximum sugar release, followed by another in vitro trial to precisely identify the enzymes needed for respective substrates and the third one was to identify the inclusion level of these enzymes in combination to sorghum stover or ragi straw or groundnut haulm. All these trials were conducted in duplicate in three runs. These experiments established that each gram of sorghum stover and ragi straw requires 1200 U of Cellulase, 120 U of Xylanase and 700 U of Pectinase for maximum hydrolysis and each gram of groundnut haulm requires 1600 U of Cellulase, 100 U of Xylanase and 600 U of Pectinase for maximum hydrolysis.</div>

<div style="text-align: justify;">Customising the requirement of fibrolytic enzymes to improve feeding value of sorghum stover, ragi straw and groundnut haulms</div>

<div>Background: The excessive usage of chemical fertilizers and the negligence on soil health regarding the conservation and use of organic sources of nutrients have not only caused the exhaustion of soil nutrient reserves but also resulted in soil health problems which is not conducive to achieving consistent increase in agricultural production. The beneficial influence of organic matter on the physical, chemical and biological properties of the soil is well known, the full appreciation of the same remains which is unfortunately ignored in modern agriculture. The regular recycling of organic wastes in the soil is the most efficient method of maintaining optimum nutrient reserves of soil and nutrient uptake by the plant. The Present Study was conducted to evaluate the nutrient status of soil under integrated usage of organic and inorganic sources. 
 
Methods: A field experiment entitled &ldquo;Nutrient Management Interventions in Rice-Ragi Sequence&rdquo; was conducted during kharif and rabi seasons of 2017-18 and 2018-19 on sandy loam soil of the Agricultural College Farm, Bapatla. The seven treatments consisted of T1: 100% RDF (100-60-40 kg N-P-K ha-1); T2: 100% RDF + Soil application of ZnSO4 @ 50 kg ha-1; T3: 125% RDF+Soil application of ZnSO4 @ 50 kg ha-1; T4: 75% RDF + Poultrymanure&nbsp; @ 0.82 t ha-1 + Soil application of ZnSO4 50 kg ha-1; T5: 75% RDF + FYM @ 5.0 t ha-1 + Soil application of ZnSO4 @ 50 kg ha-1; T6:50% RDF + Poultrymanure @ 1.6 t ha-1 + Soil application of ZnSO4 @ 50 kg ha-1 and T7: 50% RDF + FYM @ 10 t ha-1 + Soil application of ZnSO4 @ 50 kg ha-1. The experiment was laidout in randomized block design with seven treatments and replicated thrice during kharif rice and in rabi each kharif treatment was subdivided into four sub treatments (S1: Nofertilizer, S2: 100% RDF, S3:75% RDF and S4:50% RDF) and hence, The split plot design was adopted in rabi. Total No.of plots per each replication in the rabi was 28 (7x4=28).&nbsp; 
 
Result: Nutrient content and uptake of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and zinc have increased significantly with the fertility levels and organics. 50% RDF + FYM @ 10 t ha-1 + ZnSO4 @ 50 kg ha-1 recorded the highest nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and zinc contents and uptakes in grain and straw of rice. In no till rabi ragi, N, P, K, Zn and calcium content and uptake in grain and straw were found to be significantly superior with 100% RDF (S2) to the rest of the treatments in both the years and in pooled data.</div>

Effect of Nutrient Management Interventions on Nutrient Uptake of Rice-zero Till Ragi under Coastal Lands

<div style="text-align: justify;">Paddy straw is a major agro-residue fed to ruminants in India. Feeding only rice straw does not provide enough nutrients to the ruminants even for maintenance due to the low nutritive value of this highly lignified material containing high concentration of anti-nutrition factors like lignin, silicates and oxalates. Despite the improvements of crop residues through various processing methods such as physical and chemical, the efficient utilization to desirable extent is still awaited. So utilization of paddy straw in association with concept of complete feed along with biological agents is need of the hour to maximize advantage from given feeds in animal production systems.</div>

Improved paddy straw as ruminant feed: A review

<div style="text-align: justify;">An incubation study was conducted to determine the influence of biochar and corn straw on CO2-C emission, soil organic C, microbial biomass C and N, total N, and mineral N (NH4+-N and NO3--N) in a clay loam soil. Six treatments viz., CK (Control); S (Soil + 1% straw); B1 (Soil + 0.5% biochar); B2 (Soil + 2% biochar); SB1 (Soil + 1% straw + 0.5% biochar); SB2 (Soil + 1% straw + 2% biochar) were tested with three replications. Results showed that straw addition to soil with or without biochar increased CO2-C emission while sole-biochar addition (2%) reduced it. Straw and biochar also increased the soil microbial biomass C and N but greatest increase in microbial biomass N (111.9 &micro;g g-1) was recorded by biochar-straw combination. SOC and total N significantly increased following biochar and straw additions which suggest that organic amendments can improve soil chemical properties. Additionally, for soil mineral N, biochar reduced NH4+-N and NO3--N concentrations while straw increased NH4+-N concentration but greatly reduced &nbsp;that of NO3--N.</div>

<div style="text-align: justify;">Dynamics of C and N in a clay loam soil amended with biochar and corn straw</div>

Ragi Mudde, a traditional preparation from finger millet (Eleusine coracana), is a culturally and nutritionally significant staple of Karnataka, India. Millets like ragi are highly nutritious, drought-resistant and adaptable to semi-arid conditions, making them vital for food security and sustainable agriculture. Ragi Mudde is not only a source of carbohydrates, calcium, iron and dietary fiber but also an integral part of Karnataka&rsquo;s culinary heritage, reflecting rural traditions, agrarian lifestyles and local cultural identity. The study analyzed traditional preparation methods, physicochemical properties and nutritional composition of Ragi Mudde. Ragi flour of varying particle sizes (150 &mu;m, 300 &mu;m, 450 &mu;m, 600 &mu;m, 750 &mu;m) was used to prepare Ragi Mudde following conventional cooking techniques. Physical, chemical and functional properties such as bulk density, water absorption, moisture content, fat content and ash content were measured. The work was conducted at RNS Institute of Technology during 2025. Particle size of ragi flour significantly influenced the physicochemical characteristics of Ragi Mudde. Bulk density decreased while water absorption, moisture content, fat and ash content increased with coarser flour. Ragi Mudde prepared from finer flour had denser texture, while coarser flour yielded softer and more water-absorbent mudde. Nutritionally, Ragi Mudde was a rich source of calcium, iron, dietary fiber and moderate protein, supporting energy needs and overall health. Ragi Mudde is a culturally significant, nutrient-dense functional food that embodies the culinary heritage of Karnataka. Its preparation methods, nutritional value and adaptability highlight the relevance of traditional millet-based diets in contemporary nutrition and sustainable food systems. Preservation and promotion of Ragi Mudde can support and provide a sustainable, health-promoting dietary option for modern and traditional populations alike. 
&nbsp;

Ragi Mudde: A Nutritional Powerhouse from Karnataka&rsquo;s Culinary Tradition: A Review

<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>

<div style="text-align: justify;">A study of six months duration was conducted to assess the effect of paddy straw based complete rations containing different levels of NDF on digestibility coefficients of nutrients in lactating dairy cows, in two phases, viz., early and mid lactation. Three isonitrogenous and isocaloric complete rations, T1, T2 and T3 with 25, 30 and 35 per cent NDF, respectively were formulated as per ICAR (1998). Paddy straw was the sole source of roughage NDF, with the rest of NDF being met from non-forage sources, in all the three rations. Eighteen dairy cows yielding approximately 10 kg of milk per day were divided into three groups of six each, and allotted to the three experimental rations. There was no significant difference (P&gt;0.05) in digestibility coefficients of nutrients such as dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, crude fibre, ether extract, nitrogen free extract, NDF and energy, among the dietary treatments, in both phases I and II. However, the digestibility coefficient of acid detergent fibre was significantly higher (P&lt;0.05) in T2 and T3 than T1, with T2 and T3 being similar (P&gt;0.05), in both the phases. A thorough evaluation of the results obtained in the present study, reveal that the animals in all the three dietary treatments performed well, with the complete rations T3 with 35 per cent NDF and T2 with 30 per cent NDF showing better performance than T1 with 25 per cent NDF. Between T2 and T3 which were more or less comparable, the cows fed on the diet T3 had a higher digestibility for NDF, ADF and crude fibre, indicating that T3 was better than T2. These results suggest that complete rations with 25 to 35 per cent NDF, containing paddy straw as the sole source of roughage NDF, with the rest of NDF being met from non-forage sources, can be recommended for use among early and mid lactation dairy cows, with 35 per cent being the ideal NDF level. &nbsp;</div>

Effect of paddy straw plus non-forage fibre sources based complete feeds containing different levels of neutral detergent fibre on digestibility coefficients of nutrients in lactating dairy cows#&nbsp;

<div>Background: Paddy straw mushroom (Volvariella volvacea) commonly known as the straw mushroom, in India, commonly referred to as &ldquo;Pual mushrooms&rdquo;, &ldquo;Pala chhatu&rdquo; in odia belongs to Phylum-Basidiomycota, Class-Basidiomycetes, Order-Agaricales, Family-Pluteaceae and Genus Volvariella. It is being the third most important cultivated mushroom in the world is well known for its pleasant flavour and taste.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: An experiment was conducted to evaluate paddy straw and other locally available substrates for production of paddy straw mushroom (Volvariella volvacea) in Odisha under semi-compost method. Substrates viz. Paddy straw (crumpled and uncrumpled), Paddy straw+ Banana leaves (3:1, w/w), Paddy straw+ Cotton waste (3:1, w/w), Paddy straw+ Water hyacinth (3:1, w/w), Paddy straw + Banana leaves +Water hyacinth (2:1:1, w/w) were partially decomposed and evaluated against traditional undecomposed method of cultivation. 
 
Result: Paddy straw (uncrumpled / hand threshed / bundled), when semi-composted, sustained significantly higher mushroom yield (15.63% BE) as compared to the yield (11.50% BE) obtained from its un-decomposed state in traditional method of cultivation. When other wastes such as cotton waste, banana leaves and water hyacinth were mixed with un-crumpled straw, the biological efficiency increased further (16.06 -19.29% BE). Paddy straw mixed with cotton waste (3:1, w/w) sustained the highest yield potential (19.29% BE). It was also recorded that semi composted crumpled/ cattle threshed paddy straw (12.0% BE) was statistically at par with the non-composted uncrupmled/ hand threshed paddy straw (11.50% BE) in supporting the mushroom yield.</div>

&nbsp;

Enhancing the Biological Efficiency of Paddy Straw Mushroom (Volvariella volvacea) using Semi-composting Method of Cultivation in Odisha