Thursday, April 21, 2011

Stubble burning !

The burning of stubbles, crop straw or vegetable remains after harvest is a traditional agricultural practice in many countries. They believe that it can kill weed seeds, parasites, pests and fungi !
In my idea, setting the left over plant materials (including soil micro-organisms) into fire is lead to complete burning of the biomass into ashes and sterilization of upper 10-15cm of surface soil. I totally disagree with this practice, what is your idea? Is it the same in your region or country?


6 comments:

  1. The farmers around here all burn their fields.
    (Arkanzas/US)

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  2. Sadly we are surrounded by burnt wheatfields. To my nonfarming eyes it is the same as garden lawns. Fertilise, mow, remove straw, then burn stubble. If the straw and stubble were left as mulch, then lightly ploughed in when the next crop goes in? I believe they do that somewhere. Perhaps on organically farmed wheat?

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  3. In my idea straw and stubble can reamin as mulch ,as u mentioned, and with a light plough the farm can be ready !! but I dont know why they dont do that. I really need good answer, plese send this link to other friends, maybe they have this answer. tnx

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  4. Burning straw and stubble has been banned in England because of fire risk, damage to wildlife and general nuisance (smoke). Farmers are encouraged to plough it in if possible. I think it is an ancient practice that is not suited to the modern world.

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  5. I would think this changes the soil composition quite drastically. The pH levels become basic and the fauna in the soil is disturbed. On the other hand, the structure of the soil remains intact, and it may be the easiest way for them to kill noxious weed seeds.

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  6. Dear easygardener and Dear Kate,
    tnx for sharing ur ideas. I agree with u :)

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