Increase Yield by Incorporating Stubble into Soil Instead of Burning It
· AA Tarım & Ekonomi
Kiraz stated that burning stubble after grain harvest destroys soil fertility and beneficial microorganisms, emphasizing that plant residues should be plowed into the soil and turned into organic fertilizer.
Severe Damage of Stubble Fires to Soil
The practice of burning stubble, applied in wheat and barley fields after grain harvest, directly destroys the fertility and structure of agricultural lands. Kiraz stated that beneficial microorganisms that ensure soil fertility are destroyed as a result of stubble burning, the amount of organic matter rapidly decreases, and the risk of erosion significantly increases. Emphasizing that producers fall into the misconception of easily preparing the field for the next planting, Kiraz issued the following warning:
"The main reason for burning stubble is the misconception of easily preparing the soil for the next planting and pest control. When harvesting the crop, the stalks should be cut shorter."
Turn Plant Residues into Fertilizer by Plowing
It was noted that incorporating plant residues left in the field into the soil instead of burning them is one of the cornerstones of sustainable agriculture. Kiraz stated that it would be sufficient for producers to plow the field and leave it, and made the following assessment:
"Instead of burning the stubble in the field, mixing it into the soil by plowing is very important for soil health and the sustainability of production. The stubble mixed into the soil will turn into fertilizer, providing great benefit to the soil, and will decompose to become organic fertilizer. It will be sufficient for our farmers to plow the field and leave it that way. Stubble fires pose a great threat not only to agricultural lands but also to forests, residential areas, power transmission lines, and living beings. Furthermore, the dense smoke that occurs can reduce visibility on highways, causing traffic accidents and negatively affecting human health."
Threats to Environmental and Life Safety
Uncontrolled stubble fires extend beyond agricultural lands, threatening forests, residential areas, and energy transmission infrastructure. Reminding that the dense smoke caused by the fires reduces visibility on highways and leads to accidents, Kiraz made the following call to producers:
"We invite our farmers to leave more fertile and healthy agricultural areas for future generations. The soil is our most valuable heritage. Burning stubble is burning our future."