• There are many environmental risks associated with stubble burning. Over a period of years, burning can reduce soil quality and make land more susceptible to erosion.

  • Continuous burning is not a sustainable agricultural practice. 

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• Key points when considering harvesting surplus cereal straw/residue:

  • Maintain sufficient crop residue on the land to protect the soil from erosion by keeping the stubble standing particularly after seeding

  • Harvest surplus crop residue with an appropriate frequency so as not to lower soil organic matter, soil fertility and crop productivity

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• Potential benefits of retaining the straw/residue on the land

  • value of straw for soil erosion control

  • equivalent fertilizer value of the nutrients contained within the straw

  • value of the straw for building soil organic matter, soil quality and soil tilth

  • value of the straw for soil moisture conservation.

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