Impact of Burning Crop Residues on Soil Health and Environment

Crop residues, in general are parts of the plants left in the field after crops have been harvested and threshed. These materials at times have been regarded as waste materials that require disposal, but it has become increasingly realized that they are important natural resources and not wastes. It is estimated that approximately 500-550 Mt of crop residues are produced per year in our country. These crop residues are used for animal feeding, soil mulching, bio manure making, thatching for rural homes and fuel for domestic and industrial use. The cereal crops (rice, wheat, maize and millets) contribute 70% while rice crop alone contributes 34% to the crop residues. Wheat ranks second with 22% of the crop residues whereas fibre crops contribute 13% to the crop residues generated from all crops. Among fibres, cotton generates maximum (53 Mt) with 11% of crop residues. Coconut ranks second among fibre crops with generation of 12 Mt of residues. Sugarcane residues comprising of tops and leaves, generate 12 Mt, i.e., 2% of the crop residues in India.