Alternative Uses of Rice Straw in North-Western Regions of India: A Review

After sugarcane bagasse and maize straw, rice straw (RS) is globally the third largest form of agricultural residue while, in India, it residue. In north-western states India wheat taken as a rabi crop surplus focal issue associated with storage removal entire from field, very little time between cultivation hence burning becomes cheap, quick efficient way for preparing bed sowing wheat. Open kills beneficial soil microflora, degrades soil, adds to detrimental greenhouse gases such SO2, NO2, CH4, N2O, CO, hydrocarbons particulate matter atmosphere. As result, major source pollution environment. This review looked into alternatives that were less harmful environment, RS biochar production, industrial waste adsorbents, based bio-methanation, heavy metal amelioration, bricks bioethanol production.