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Research on Hydroponic Cultivation Substrates Made from Rice Straw

Author

Listed:
  • Tingting Wu

    (Graduate School of Bioresources, Mie University, Tsu 514-8507, Japan)

  • Xiulun Wang

    (Graduate School of Bioresources, Mie University, Tsu 514-8507, Japan)

  • Tomoki Inada

    (Takakita Co., Ltd., Engineering Division G1 Group, Nabari 518-0441, Japan)

Abstract

This study explores the development of a biodegradable hydroponic substrate derived from rice straw, aiming to address environmental sustainability, resource efficiency, and nutritional challenges in agriculture. Traditional non-biodegradable substrates like rockwool have inherent limitations, while the substrates developed herein offer sustainable alternatives by utilizing agricultural waste. This paper details the comprehensive process of converting rice straw into an effective hydroponic substrate through cutting, soaking, defibrating, compressing, and drying. It also evaluates key physical properties such as density, porosity, and permeability. The results indicate that the rice straw substrate meets hydroponic cultivation standards, with a density range of 0.07–0.1 g/cm 3 , porosity between 88 and 92%, and saturated permeability ranging from 0.02 to 0.08 cm/s, thus demonstrating its potential as a viable substitute for conventional substrates. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and SEM-EDS analysis show that the rice straw substrates exhibit a coarse texture and uniform cellulose particle size. The primary elements identified were carbon (C), oxygen (O), aluminum (Al), silicon (Si), and calcium (Ca).

Suggested Citation

  • Tingting Wu & Xiulun Wang & Tomoki Inada, 2025. "Research on Hydroponic Cultivation Substrates Made from Rice Straw," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(2), pages 1-16, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:2:p:772-:d:1570825
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. David Tilman & Kenneth G. Cassman & Pamela A. Matson & Rosamond Naylor & Stephen Polasky, 2002. "Agricultural sustainability and intensive production practices," Nature, Nature, vol. 418(6898), pages 671-677, August.
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