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Stubble burning is the deliberate setting fire of the straw stubble that remains after wheat and other grains have been harvested

Effects

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There burning of stubble, contrasted with alternatives such as ploughing the stubble back into the ground has a number of consequences and effects on the environment[1]

Stubble burning:

  • Quickly clears the field and is is cheap.
  • Kills weeds, including those resistant to herbicide, slugs and other pests.
  • Can reduce nitrogen tie-up

However, it has a number of harmful effects on the environment:

  • Loss of nutrients.
  • Pollution from smoke.
  • Risk of fires spreading out of control[2]

There is a perception that stubble burning contributes to atmospheric CO2. However Carbon dioxide releases are only slightly greater than those from natural decomposition[1]

Attitudes to stubble burning

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  • Stubble burning has been effecively prohibited since 1993 in England and Wales [3]. A perceived increase in blackgrass, and particularly herbicide resistant blackgrass have led to a campaign by some arable farmers for its return[4].
  • In Australia stubble burning is "not the prefered option for the majority of farmers"[1] but is permitted and recommended when there are circumstances where it is recommended. Farmers are advised to rake and burn windrows, and leave a fire break of 3 metres around any burn off.[2]
  • In North America, fires are fairly common in Mid-western states. Many of the fires in the video are started deliberately.

  • In China, there is a governmental ban on stubble burning, however the practice remains fairly common.[5]

References

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  1. ^ a b c "Grains and Other Crops» Crop Production» Stubble Burning".
  2. ^ a b Ellison, Amelia (Saturday August 24, 2013). "Stubble burns cause headache for firebrigades". The Wimmera Mail Times. Retrieved 24 August 2013. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  3. ^ The Crop Residues (Burning) Regulations 1993 [1]
  4. ^ Tasker, Johann (May 30 2012). "Farmers step up stubble burning campaign". Retrieved 24 August 2013. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  5. ^ "Farmers burn wheat stubble despite ban". Peoples Daily. 10:31, June 15, 2013. Retrieved 24 August 2013. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)

Category: Agriculture