Technological Advances in Efficient Agricultural Residue and Biomass Management
摘要
Agricultural residue and biomass management play a crucial role in sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation. Conventional practices in residue management were often confounded by inefficient techniques, labour intensiveness or environmental problems. With the advancements in technology, innovative approaches have emerged to efficiently utilize agricultural residues and biomass for purposes such as energy production, soil improvement and waste reduction. Technological advances such as anaerobic digestion, gasification and pyrolysis enable the conversion of these materials into biogas, biofuels and thermal energy and thereby offering renewable and clean energy sources from these waste materials. Furthermore, biomass conversion technologies such as hydrothermal carbonization enhance the quality and stability of biomass, making it suitable for applications in biochar production, soil amendment and industrial feedstock. Smart farming systems and automation technologies have simplified residue management tasks. Remote sensing techniques, coupled with data analytics, enable farmers to monitor crop residues, assess biomass availability, design tillage practices optimize nutrient cycling and management, leading to improved soil health and crop productivity. Robotic systems and intelligent machinery aid in residue collection, handling and processing, which in turn reduce labour requirements, enhance operational efficiency and minimize post-harvest losses. The present chapter explores the technological advancements in agricultural residue and biomass management that generate green wealth from these hitherto waste materials.