Stubble burning is the deliberate setting fire of the straw stubble that remains after wheat and other grains have been harvested
Effects edit
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 edit
- 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 France, stubble burning is said to be fairly common.[citation needed]
- In China, there is a governmental ban on stubble burning, however the practice remains fairly common.[5]
References edit
- ^ a b c "Grains and Other Crops» Crop Production» Stubble Burning".
- ^ 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) - ^ The Crop Residues (Burning) Regulations 1993 [1]
- ^ Tasker, Johann (May 30 2012). "Farmers step up stubble burning campaign". Retrieved 24 August 2013.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ "Farmers burn wheat stubble despite ban". Peoples Daily. 10:31, June 15, 2013. Retrieved 24 August 2013.
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