Estimation and Efficient Utilization of Straw Resources in Ghana

Abstract

The significance of this research is on maize, rice, sorghum, millet, groundnut, soybeans and cowpea straw for stronger sustainability in Ghana’s economic development. Quantifying and re-use of crop straw resources in Ghana is still at the infancy stage hampering the efficient recycling of these resources in a sustainable manner. Sustainability is straw as a renewable resource to improve soils, livestock production, generate renewable energy and reduce pollution for development. The aim of this research was to estimate the crop straw yield from 2006 to 2016 and identify the various utilization modes for major cereals and legumes in Ghana. In addition the distribution of maize, rice, sorghum and cowpea straw across major producing regions was calculated. Results obtained showed that 77,404,709.75 tonnes of cereals and legumes straw were produced in Ghana from 2006 to 2016. Cereal straw recorded a 72.3% yield whilst legume straw recorded 26.8%. Maize and groundnut straw recorded the highest yield of 37,323,264.16 and 12,495,288.96 tonnes respectively. Brong Ahafo region of Ghana had the highest maize straw yield with the Northern region recording readily availability of both cereals and legumes straw resources. The major re-use methods of straw in Ghana are as livestock feed, fertilizer, cooking fuel, for sale and as a substrate for mushroom production. We recommend strategies the government can adapt to develop policies geared towards the accurate recording of straw and their comprehensive utilization in Ghana. The efficient utilization of straw resources will reduce soil erosion, improve soil fertility, serve as feed for livestock, reduce pollution, generate biofuels plus generate employment to benefit the rural economy.

Potential of Bioenergy in Rural Ghana

“…Effective quantification of agricultural crop residues and assessment of their energy potential has not received much attention in Ghana, which hinders the sustainable use and management of this resource. Quantitative estimation of agricultural crop residues is generally based on statistical data, and it helps in judicious management of the available resources [33]. Table 1 projects the energy potential of crop residues generated in Ghana in 2017.…”

“…In addition to its ability to utilise low-quality feedstock, it also converts the entire carbon content of the biomass material. Biomass gasification has a varied range of feedstock requirement and could be used to convert CPH into product gas for utilisation in small-to-medium scale decentralised electric power generation system [33]. Since biomass gasification can provide a higher heating value product with better energy capture and lower emissions in comparison to combustion and pyrolysis, it is prudent to use gasification for the conversion of CPH to electricity.…”

Assessing the Theoretical Prospects of Bioethanol Production as a Biofuel from Agricultural Residues in Bangladesh: A Review

“…As indicated by these findings, Table 9 shows the determined collectable coefficient of residue and the theoretical bioethanol conversion rate of different crop residues. The calculation method for a hypothetical bioethanol transformation rate is based on the cellulose and hemicellulose substance found in various agricultural residues [63,[67][68][69][70][71]. The available crop residue data multiplied by the bioethanol conversion rate provides the bioethanol-potential data.…”

Modified Nanoclays/Straw Fillers as Functional Additives of Natural Rubber Biocomposites

“…A huge percentage of this raw material is treated as waste [ 13 ]. Only a small part is used as litter or food for animals [ 14 ] or as an additive to fertilizers [ 15 ] or biofuels [ 16 , 17 ]. Nevertheless, it should be emphasized that despite the many positive aspects of using cereal straw as an additive to polymer composites, its operation can still be improved and intensified, for example, by selected modifications.…”