30, September 2026

Eco-Friendly Biodegradation of Rice Straw Using Efficient Microbial Consortia: A Sustainable Alternative to Stubble Burning

VOLUME-12; ISSUE-9; SEPT-2026

Author(s): Renuka. G, Anitha Devi U, Srinivas. D, and Ugandhar T

Authors Affiliations:

1Department of Microbiology, Pingle Govt College for Women (A), Hanumakonda

2Department of Botany, IPDGDC (A) for Women, Namapally, Hyderabad

3Department of Botany, Telangana University, Nizamabad

4Department of Botany, Kakatiya Govt College (A), Hanumakonda

DOIs:10.2015/IJIRMF/202609001     |     Paper ID: IJIRMF202609001


Abstract
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Rice straw burning is a major environmental and agricultural challenge in many rice-growing regions of India, particularly in Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and other parts of the Indo-Gangetic plains. Open-field burning of rice residues releases greenhouse gases, particulate matter, black carbon, and other harmful pollutants, contributing to air pollution, soil degradation, climate change, and public health concerns. Therefore, sustainable and environmentally friendly approaches for rice straw management are urgently needed. This review examines the potential of lignocellulolytic microorganisms and microbial consortia for the biological degradation and management of rice straw. Rice straw is primarily composed of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, which make its natural decomposition relatively slow. Microorganisms capable of producing lignocellulose-degrading enzymes, particularly cellulase, xylanase, and lignin-degrading enzymes, can accelerate the breakdown of these complex compounds. Bacteria and fungi, including species belonging to Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Trichoderma, Aspergillus, and other lignocellulolytic groups, have demonstrated considerable potential for rice straw decomposition. The review highlights the mechanisms of microbial degradation, enzyme production, microbial consortia, factors affecting biodegradation, and the conversion of rice straw into nutrient-rich organic matter. Particular attention is given to the synergistic action of microbial consortia, in which different microorganisms collectively degrade cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin more efficiently than individual strains. The review also discusses the effects of biodegraded rice straw on soil organic matter, nutrient availability, microbial activity, soil fertility, and sustainable crop production. Microbial biodegradation offers a promising alternative to open-field stubble burning by facilitating agricultural residue recycling while reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. However, challenges related to degradation rate, microbial compatibility, environmental conditions, large-scale application, and field-level consistency need further investigation. Future research should focus on the development of efficient, stable, cost-effective, and field-adaptable microbial consortia for large-scale rice straw management. Overall, microbial biotechnology represents a promising approach for transforming rice straw from an agricultural waste into a valuable resource for soil health, sustainable agriculture, and climate-resilient farming.
Rice straw; Lignocellulolytic microorganisms; Microbial consortium; Biodegradation; Cellulase; Xylanase; Lignin degradation; Stubble burning; Crop residue management; Soil fertility; Sustainable agriculture; Agricultural waste recycling

Renuka. G, Anitha Devi U, Srinivas. D, and Ugandhar T (2026); Eco-Friendly Biodegradation of Rice Straw Using Efficient Microbial Consortia: A Sustainable Alternative to Stubble Burning,  International Journal for Innovative Research in Multidisciplinary Field, ISSN(O): 2455-0620, Vol-12, Issue-9, Available on –   https://www.ijirmf.com/

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