Rice straw to biofertilizer formulations: Fostering waste management for circular economy

Abstract

Abstract The increasing recognition of issues related to the production of rice straw has spurred global interest, particularly in India, to reclaim rice straw generated during cultivation to mitigate the pollution. The present study focuses on the zero waste principle, which promotes long-term sustainable socio-economic and environmental benefits through the conversion of rice straw into biofertilizers. The 8-day process involves hydrolyzing delignified rice straw using Aspergillus niger P-19 capable of producing multiple hydrolytic enzymes while Klebsiella pneumoniae AP-407 grows in the nutrients present in the hydrolysate, providing plant growth-promoting traits. This method produces liquid and carrier biofertilizer formulations from a single process with a high microbial population and is economically attractive as it can be achieved in a single fermenter vessel without requiring external enzyme loading or carrier substances. This sustainable and economically feasible solution for rice straw management follows the basic principles of the circular economy.