Composition and features of use of rice husk
Rice occupies one of the first places among cereal crops. The separation of rice grains generates approximately 600 million tons of waste. Their disposal is a serious problem all over the world. Most of the owners of this waste are not aware of the options for using recycled rice husks. We'll tell you how to use it in the garden.
What is rice husk and where does it come from?
Rice husk is the outer covering of the rice grain. It protects the kernel from pests. After processing rice cereals into cereals, waste remains: straw, bran and flower scales (husks). The mass fraction of rice husk is up to 20% of 30% of the total share of all waste.
Composition and characteristics of rice husk
Rice husk contains:
- water;
- raw fiber;
- protein;
- cellulose;
- pentosans;
- lignin;
- extract, soluble in ether;
- vitamins;
- mineral ash, which consists of 90-97% silicon dioxide (SiO2).
Main Characteristics of Rice Husk:
- it is difficult to ignite and does not burn unless blown with air;
- resistant to moisture and fungi;
- decomposes slowly due to the high silica content;
- bulky and dusty, which makes it difficult to handle;
- when burned, the ash content is from 17 to 26%, which is much higher than that of wood (0.2-2%) and coal (12.2%);
- has a high calorific value - 3410 kcal/kg, therefore it serves as a renewable energy source.
Interesting facts about rice:
What is the difference between jasmine and basmati rice?
Application areas of rice husk products
There are various methods of using rice husks. For example, in stores you can find fuel briquettes for barbecues, grills, barbecues, heating boilers, fireplaces and wood-burning stoves. This solid fuel is created on the basis of rice husk, has good heat transfer and low ash content.
Recycled rice husks are used:
- in the field of agriculture as a fertilizer;
- in metallurgy as a heat-insulating backfill;
in the fuel industry as a material for achieving high burnout levels;- in the chemical industry in the production of dyes, protective coatings, abrasives and lubricants;
- as a filler for car tires - they have excellent grip on wet and dry asphalt, reduce carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere, reduce noise levels and fuel costs;
- in the production of paper, metal ceramics, artificial leather, etc.;
- as a sorbent for purifying water from oil and oil contaminants;
- in the manufacture of heat and sound insulation materials;
- in the production of concrete - it has a low cost and is stronger than conventional artificial building material;
- in the agricultural industry, husks treated with high temperature and pressure make it possible to replace the usual soil and are used repeatedly for sowing the same crop.
Pure silicon is obtained from rice husks, which is used in modern technologies. This is much cheaper than extracting it from other sources with more expensive processing methods.
In the future, it is possible to use the obtained raw materials in perfumery, metallurgical, pharmaceutical and electronics industries.
Rice husk can be used in the production of building materials (blocks, slabs). Its use in the fuel industry will reduce emissions into the environment and introduce renewable energy sources into circulation.
Use in the garden as fertilizer
Some summer residents use rice husks to increase yield on your land:
It is added to the compost, which maintains the optimal moisture level of the organic fertilizer.- It is added to heavy clay soil due to the fact that it takes a long time to rot. The soil is loosened immediately and for a long time. If you do this regularly, the soil will become more structured, soft and fertile over time.
- The husks are burned to produce ash rich in potassium. It is used to increase soil fertility and feed plants.
- Used when planting vegetables (peas, tomatoes, eggplants, cabbage, potatoes, peppers, etc.), seedlings of fruit trees and shrubs.
- Used as a nutrient medium for microorganisms when growing seedlings. In such soil, shoots of fruit and berry crops are well strengthened by their roots.
- Used for greenhouse cultivation of plants, mushrooms, and flower fertilization.
- Scatter the rice husks in a dense layer of 15 cm over the surface of the land before planting and set it on fire. This is not easy to do, since the husk is difficult to ignite. The resulting ash is embedded in the upper layers of the soil using a shovel or rake.
To get the most out of rice florets Do not mix it with other organic or mineral fertilizers.
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Rice husks as mulch
Without mulch it is difficult to grow a decent harvest. Plants cannot easily tolerate a lack of moisture, the soil quickly dries out, and a dense crust forms on the surface.
Rice husk mulch solves such problems:
improves the chemical composition of the soil;- protects against weeds and slugs;
- prevents moisture loss;
- reduces the number of waterings;
- removes excess nitrogen;
- retains beneficial properties in the soil for 3-5 years;
- reduces the accumulation of salts in the soil.
Rice husks serve as mulch for a long time, since weeds cannot break through it, and pests do not reach the roots for the winter. It is distributed over the surface of the earth in an even layer.
Important! To moisten the soil under mulch, a large amount of water is required. The liquid seeps through the dense layer of husk with difficulty, but at the same time, the husk is easily washed away under strong pressure of water.
Conclusion
Not only rice grains, but also processed flower scales are used for the benefit of humanity. Gardeners use the husks as fertilizer and mulch to improve soil structure and protect against erosion and moisture loss.
The husk contains a large amount of silicon dioxide and is used in various industrial sectors. So far its potential has been little used, but movement in this direction is considered promising.