Recycling paddy straw can solve Manipur’s burning problem: A research-based solution
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Dr Johnson Yumnam
Every winter, paddy straw burning becomes a familiar sight in many parts of Manipur. Farmers burn straw because it is the fastest method to clear fields, especially under time and labour constraints. But this practice destroys soil microbes, increases carbon emissions, and contributes to the seasonal smog that affects human health.
During my PhD research at Lovely Professional University (Punjab), I studied how paddy straw can be converted into nutrient-rich compost using Effective Microorganisms (EM) and Waste Decom-poser (WD). Although the trials were conducted in Punjab, the findings are highly relevant to Manipur—where chemical fertilizer prices are increasing, soil health is declining, and sustainable agriculture is urgently needed.
Why Farmers Cannot Make Compost in 30 Days: Lessons from In Situ and Laboratory Studies
For many years, farmers have been encouraged by various research papers to believe that paddy straw can be converted into compost within 15–30 days with the use of Effective Microorganisms (EM), Waste Decomposer, or other microbial additives. However, scientific evidence from both in situ field conditions and ex situ composting experiments shows that this target is nearly impossible for farmers working under real conditions.
In laboratory and in vitro studies, microbes break down organic material very quickly because the environment is fully controlled—temperature, moisture, turning frequency, and microbial concentration are kept at ideal levels. Under these optimized setups, decomposition appears rapid, leading many researchers to report short composting durations.
However, when the same methods are applied in situ, directly on paddy fields or at farmers’ composting sites, the results are completely different. Tempera- tures rarely stay within the 55–65°C range that accelerates microbial breakdown. Moisture levels fluctuate due to weather, and farmers cannot turn the compost heap daily as required for rapid decomposition. These limitations drastically slow down the activity of microbes.
Additionally, paddy straw contains high lignin and silica, which naturally resist decomposition. Even with microbial inoculants, the lignin–silica barrier cannot be broken quickly under open-field conditions.
This gap between in vitro laboratory results and in situ farmer reality highlights the need for more field-based research. Composting paddy straw in 30 days is not just difficult—it is scientifically unrealistic for average farmers in Manipur or elsewhere
After 30 days: C:N ratio remained high (34–40)
Ammonical nitrogen decreased slowly
Nitrate nitrogen increased but not enough for maturity
Humic and fulvic acid formation was still low
These indicators show that paddy straw cannot fully decompose within 30 days without additional carbon or nitrogen sources.
What Worked Better?
The best-performing treatment was a combination of: 100% EM
100% Waste Decomposer Soil cover
This combination accelerated decomposition, improved nutrient availability, and reduced carbon loss.
After 30 days
Organic carbon reduced from 45%~34%
Total nitrogen increased from 0.53% -0.97%
Total phosphorus reached 705 mg/kg
Potassium increased up to 3.47%
Although not fully mature, the compost quality significantly improved.
Manipur Application: What Farmers Can Do
Manipur can adapt this model with slight modifications:
Use EM+Waste Decomposer together
Add 10–15% cow dung or pig manure to boost nitrogen
Add chopped phumdis or green manure (dhaincha, cowpea)
Cover with a thin soil layer to retain moisture
Turn once every 10–15 days
Under Manipur’s warm and moist conditions, compost can mature in 45–60 days, reducing straw burning and improving soil organic carbon.
A Sustainable Future
If Manipur’s farmers adopt this research-backed composting method, it can:
Reduce burning
Improve soil health
Cut fertilizer costs
Increase crop productivity
Promote climate-resilient agriculture
This is a practical and local-friendly solution rooted in scientific research.
The writer is Assistant Professor Lovely Professional University, Punjab. Pincode- 144411
Every winter, paddy straw burning becomes a familiar sight in many parts of Manipur. Farmers burn straw because it is the fastest method to clear fields, especially under time and labour constraints. But this practice destroys soil microbes, increases carbon emissions, and contributes to the seasonal smog that affects human health.
During my PhD research at Lovely Professional University (Punjab), I studied how paddy straw can be converted into nutrient-rich compost using Effective Microorganisms (EM) and Waste Decom-poser (WD). Although the trials were conducted in Punjab, the findings are highly relevant to Manipur—where chemical fertilizer prices are increasing, soil health is declining, and sustainable agriculture is urgently needed.
Why Farmers Cannot Make Compost in 30 Days: Lessons from In Situ and Laboratory Studies
For many years, farmers have been encouraged by various research papers to believe that paddy straw can be converted into compost within 15–30 days with the use of Effective Microorganisms (EM), Waste Decomposer, or other microbial additives. However, scientific evidence from both in situ field conditions and ex situ composting experiments shows that this target is nearly impossible for farmers working under real conditions.
In laboratory and in vitro studies, microbes break down organic material very quickly because the environment is fully controlled—temperature, moisture, turning frequency, and microbial concentration are kept at ideal levels. Under these optimized setups, decomposition appears rapid, leading many researchers to report short composting durations.
However, when the same methods are applied in situ, directly on paddy fields or at farmers’ composting sites, the results are completely different. Tempera- tures rarely stay within the 55–65°C range that accelerates microbial breakdown. Moisture levels fluctuate due to weather, and farmers cannot turn the compost heap daily as required for rapid decomposition. These limitations drastically slow down the activity of microbes.
Additionally, paddy straw contains high lignin and silica, which naturally resist decomposition. Even with microbial inoculants, the lignin–silica barrier cannot be broken quickly under open-field conditions.
This gap between in vitro laboratory results and in situ farmer reality highlights the need for more field-based research. Composting paddy straw in 30 days is not just difficult—it is scientifically unrealistic for average farmers in Manipur or elsewhere
After 30 days: C:N ratio remained high (34–40)
Ammonical nitrogen decreased slowly
Nitrate nitrogen increased but not enough for maturity
Humic and fulvic acid formation was still low
These indicators show that paddy straw cannot fully decompose within 30 days without additional carbon or nitrogen sources.
What Worked Better?
The best-performing treatment was a combination of: 100% EM
100% Waste Decomposer Soil cover
This combination accelerated decomposition, improved nutrient availability, and reduced carbon loss.
After 30 days
Organic carbon reduced from 45%~34%
Total nitrogen increased from 0.53% -0.97%
Total phosphorus reached 705 mg/kg
Potassium increased up to 3.47%
Although not fully mature, the compost quality significantly improved.
Manipur Application: What Farmers Can Do
Manipur can adapt this model with slight modifications:
Use EM+Waste Decomposer together
Add 10–15% cow dung or pig manure to boost nitrogen
Add chopped phumdis or green manure (dhaincha, cowpea)
Cover with a thin soil layer to retain moisture
Turn once every 10–15 days
Under Manipur’s warm and moist conditions, compost can mature in 45–60 days, reducing straw burning and improving soil organic carbon.
A Sustainable Future
If Manipur’s farmers adopt this research-backed composting method, it can:
Reduce burning
Improve soil health
Cut fertilizer costs
Increase crop productivity
Promote climate-resilient agriculture
This is a practical and local-friendly solution rooted in scientific research.
The writer is Assistant Professor Lovely Professional University, Punjab. Pincode- 144411