Wheat straw: a pragmatic overview.

Abstract

Wheat Straw (WS) is the agricultural by-product obtained from different parts of wheat plant like stem, leaves etc. The aim of the study is to highlight the important aspects and features of nutritional value of wheat straw and to summarize the economical and commercial values of this treasure produced abundantly in Pakistan. WS is rich in cellulosic fibers, hemicelluloses, proteins, lignin and ash. All these elements together make WS as most important and balanced substrate for microbial cultures for its diverse applications in fermentation, food, feed, medicine industries and in fields to increase soil fertility. In fermentation industry, WS can be used as a substrate for the production of vast range of hydrolytic enzymes, medicines, biofuel and other metabolites. It is the cheapest or low cost source of natural substrate.