Estimates of CO₂ emission from the burning of crop residues

Issue Date

2000

Abstract

The study determined the CO₂ emissions due to crop residue burning in rice and sugarcane production. Yearly, the two crops contribute about 4.46 million tons of C or about 16.36 million tons of CO₂. CO₂ (a greenhouse gas) loading in the atmosphere is believed to contribute to global climate change. Crop residue burning is contributing relatively small amounts of CO₂ in the atmosphere as CO₂ released is mostly absorbed during plant growth. However, burning as a quick, easy and labor-saving method of land clearing should be discontinued. Declining soil fertility in croplands is generally attributed to the non-adoption of crop residue recycling by farmers.

The perceptible impairment of agricultural production due to soil fertility decline should discourage farmers from burning crop residues. It is still more practical, ecologically sound and economically rewarding to pursue crop residue recycling as experienced by increasing number of farmers who have shifted to organic farming.

Source or Periodical Title

Journal of Environmental Science and Management

ISSN

0119-1144

Volume

3

Issue

1-2

Page

25-33

Document Type

Article

Frequency

semi-annually

Physical Description

tables, charts, pictures

Language

English

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