<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>Background: Maize (Zea mays L.) is one of the important cereal crops of world. Its multiple uses in food industry made it most demanded crop, but the productivity in India is still low. Inclusion of legumes in the cropping system can help in restoring soil fertility in incredible ways hence, enhancing the crop productivity. 
 
Methods: A field experiment was conducted at B. A. College of Agriculture, AAU, Anand during summer-kharif seasons of years 2017 and 2018 to examine the impact of legume crop residue and nitrogen levels on maize crop. Experiment comprised of three legume crops grown in summer season viz., green gram, groundnut and cluster bean, two residue management treatments viz., residue removal and incorporation and three nitrogen levels in kharif maize viz., 100%, 75% and 50% recommended dose of nitrogen.&nbsp; 
 
Result: Cluster bean-maize cropping system followed by groundnut-maize cropping system observed for the highest improvement in growth parameters, yield attribute and grain and straw yield. Residue incorporation of summer legumes and full dose of nitrogen in maize was found significant for increasing growth and yield parameters and grain yield of maize. Study indicate that residue incorporation had positive effects on maize growth and yield, however incorporation was not able to reduce the nitrogen requirement through chemical means.</div>

Effect of Inclusion of Legumes in Cropping System and their Residue Incorporation on the Yield of Maize

<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. 
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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. 
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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.)

<div>Background: Legume residues such as leaves from cowpea and lablab plants can be accumulated in large quantities after fruits harvesting. These legumes can be incorporated in ruminants&rsquo; diets due to their high feeding value. They are rich in crude protein, vitamins and minerals when compared to grasses that normally deteriorate during dry seasons. This paper is focusing on determining effect of legume residues and maize straws on in vitro dry matter degradability (IVDMD) and palatability indices in ruminants. 
 
Methods: For palatability experiment, each of five male boer goats was provided with four feeding troughs carrying&nbsp; four different feeds (maize straws and 3 legumes =&nbsp;Lablab purpureus - lablab and 2 Vigna unguiculata - cowpeas - Dr Saunders and Betswit). The legume residues and maize straws were also analyzed for chemical composition and IVDMD. All data was subjected to a one-way analysis of variance.&nbsp; 
 
Result: Dr Saunders (230.7 g/kg DM) had the highest (P&lt;0.05) crude protein content when compared to all diets. Lablab (126.3 g/kg DM) had the lowest (P&lt;0.05) acid detergent lignin. The highest (P&lt;0.05) condensed tannins concentrations (50.1 g/kg DM) was recorded for Betswit. The highest (P&lt;0.05) in vitro dry matter degradability was recorded for lablab at 24 up to 72 hrs. Lablab had a higher palatability index (P&lt;0.05) when compared to other diets. Intake (r2 = 0.955) and palatability index (r2 = 0.971) were positively and significantly (P&lt;0.05) predicted from total phenolics on goats. Though lablab had better values in most parameters measured, all legumes can be highly recommended to supplement low-quality roughages such as maize straws and grasses.</div>

Proximate Analysis, in vitro Dry Matter Degradability and Palatability Index of Legume Residues and Maize Straws for Ruminants

<div>Background: The decomposition rate of biomass depends significantly on soil properties and on the design of the machine used for incorporation. Well-chopped biomass, incorporated in a productive zone with uniform mixing, gives better results instead of placing longer stalks on or near the field surface. 
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Methods: In the field experiments conducted during 2017 and 2018, interaction of soil and biomass, placed at various depths in sandy loam soil, was studied 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 and 90 days after incorporation (DAI). Further, mechanical incorporation of green manure crop with innovative two-bottom combined tillage machine, namely biomass incorporator, was studied at different levels of soil type, plant height, forward speed and rotor speed. 
 
Result: The depth range of 70-140 mm was found most appropriate for incorporation to achieve a higher decomposition rate. Plant stem of 50 days old dhaincha (Sesbania aculeata) crop decomposed by 13.0, 31.5, 29.25, 24.25 and 22.05% at depth range 0-70 (D1), 70-140 (D2), 140-210 (D3), 210-280 (D4) and 280-350 (D5) mm, respectively 10 DAI. About 55% of the biomass, incorporated at depth range D2, got decomposed 40 DAI. The average depth of placement of biomass with biomass incorporator ranged between 92 and 131 mm. The soil pulverization index and crop mixing index with the machine varied from 3.58 to 30.65 mm and 93.62 to 98.05%, respectively. The surface profile coefficient with the machine ranged between 24.2 and 50.6 mm. The efficient mixing of the biomass into the soil with thorough coverage of pulverized soil was achieved with rational field undulation.</div>

<div>Performance Indices of a Combined Tillage Machine for the Incorporation of Leguminous Green Manure at Appropriate Depth</div>

<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>

<div>Background: Gulabjamun is a sweet indigenous commodity, commonly prepared from khoa in the country&rsquo;s northern, western, and central regions. The present study was undertaken to develop value added gulabjamun with khoa and foxtail millet for better nutritional profile.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: Value added gulabjamun was prepared by incorporating foxtail millet flour at 20% (GJF1), 30% (GJF2) and 40% (GJF3) based on the weight of khoa. 
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Result: Sensory evaluation study revealed that GJF1 was best accepted among the variations and obtained an overall acceptability score of 8.55. The value added gulabjamun GJF1 had a moisture content of 33.51%, 12.28 g fat, 8.93 g protein, 1.28 g ash, 1.12 g crude fibre, 30.3 &micro;g vitamin A, 144.25 mg calcium and 0.702 mg iron per 100 g. Though the rheological attributes showed a decreasing trend with incorporation of foxtail millet, the native texture of gulabjamun was retained. Millet incorporated gulabjamun (GJF1) had a shelf life of 5 days at room temperature and 15 days at refrigeration temperature. Therefore, foxtail millet could be successfully incorporated to gulabjamun with highly acceptable sensory attributes.</div>

Development of Gulabjamun with Incorporation of Foxtail Millet

<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: 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>