Straw incorporation is
an alternative management in place of burning before land preparation. But straw incorporation into the soil
contributes to reducing condition in the rice field and possible negative impacts on rice growth. Because
straw incorporation into the soils reduces oxygen and increases toxic carbon compounds. Severe oxygen
depletion in flooded soil is related to disease occurrence. In early-season rice causing yellow leaves, dark
roots, and low root activity caused by nitrogen immobilization. The nitrogen in the soil and applied nitrogen
temporary decrease that effect at early rice growth stage. (Broadbent 1979) Straw fermentation encourages
reducing condition causing Fe++ and Mn++ to increase in the soil where they may replace available potassium
in the soil. (Ponnaperuma 1984)