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MEKARN Workshop 2009: Livestock, Climate Change and the Environment |
In the Mekong delta during the wet season, it is difficult to dry the rice straw and it is either burned or left to rot in the field. Burning results in emissions of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide while rotting can result in production of methane, a greenhouse gas 24 times more powerful than carbon dioxide as a contributor to climate warming. A technology to preserve the fresh (wet) straw was developed, consisting of adding urea (2% on dry basis) and lime (3% on dry basis) and then packing the straw with a baling machine. The bales were then covered with plastic sheet to prevent los of ammonia. Using this method the wet straw could be stored safely for 3 to 4 months. The addition of the urea and lime raised the nutritive value to a level comparable with fresh grass.