A Review of Rice Straw Utilization Opportunities as Low Cost Agriculture in Egypt

Rice production is associated with vast quantities of straw, which have historically been eliminated through the practice of burning fields in the open. However, the burning of agricultural leftovers, particularly rice straw in Egypt (about 4.4 million tons per year), results in what is called locally as Black Cloud, reverse process and utilization for rice straw a major challenge due to technical, social, institutional, and socioeconomic constraints, what was once a valuable resource is now being burned as a waste. Rice Straw could be used properly to create bioethanol, mushrooms, pulp, biofuels, paper, fertilizers, and animal feed, as well as conservation for agriculture. This article examines the composition of rice straw and husks, the procedures involved in the manufacturing of valued products, and the different applications for these materials. These include agricultural additives, energy generation, environmental adsorbents, building materials, and a variety of products.