In China, over 700 million tons of crop straw are generated annually, yet only around 30% is utilized in industries such as papermaking, construction, and handicrafts. The remaining 500 million tons are often burned or discarded, leading to severe environmental pollution, soil degradation, and wasted resources. This not only harms the environment but also imposes significant economic and social costs. Therefore, promoting the comprehensive utilization of crop straw has become crucial for sustainable agricultural development and rural economic growth.
Straw, despite its low nutrient content and high crude fiber (31–45%) and low protein (3–6%), can still meet the nutritional needs of livestock when properly processed and supplemented with essential nutrients. China has a long history of using straw for animal feed, which has led to the development of resilient and high-yield livestock breeds. A well-established set of straw processing technologies exists, including physical, chemical, and biological methods.
Physical processing involves mechanical or thermal treatments like cutting, shredding, kneading, softening, and granulation, which improve digestibility and feeding efficiency. Chemical treatments, such as alkali, ammonia, or acid treatments, break down the complex structures in straw, enhancing its nutritional value. Biological methods use microorganisms or enzymes to decompose cellulose and lignin, significantly improving digestibility. For example, microbial fermentation can increase dry matter digestibility by up to 24%.
Another important application is using straw as a substrate for cultivating earthworms, which are rich in protein and amino acids. These worms can be used as feed supplements or medicinal ingredients. Additionally, worm compost serves as an excellent organic fertilizer, enriching the soil with nutrients.
Straw is also widely used as a base material for growing edible mushrooms, reducing reliance on scarce and costly alternatives like cottonseed husks. After mushroom harvesting, the leftover material becomes a valuable protein-rich feed or organic fertilizer.
Straw returning technology involves incorporating straw directly into the soil through mechanical or biological methods, improving soil fertility, increasing crop yields, and lowering production costs. Techniques include chopping and spreading, root smashing, whole stalk burial, and more.
Beyond agriculture, straw is also being utilized in energy and industrial applications. It can be converted into bioenergy through gasification, power generation, or ethanol production. Additionally, straw fibers are used to make products like fiberboards, mulch, packaging materials, and even charcoal.
By exploring and implementing these diverse technologies, China can transform what was once considered waste into valuable resources, supporting both environmental protection and sustainable development.
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