Crop Residue Generation, Recycling and its Management for Agricultural Sustainability

Abstract

Large number of studies show adverse effects of crop residue burning on soil organic carbon (SOC), soil fertility and soil health, and long-term sustainability of crop production. In India, enormous quantities of crop residues are produced annually whose improper management creates unsustainability in the production systems. Crop residues as a crucial source of carbon (C) and plant nutrients can be a boon for sustainable agriculture and their ploughing back into the soil will help protect soils against soil erosion, improve water conservation, enhance SOC and recycle nutrients. Returning crop residues back in the soils follows the principle of taking whatever you want and plowing rest back to the soil for sustainability. Several technologies available for handling residues of crops include mushroom cultivation, composting, biochar formation, manufacturing of non-woven composites, and in-situ mechanical intensification management using crop management techniques focused on agricultural conservation. Due to largescale residue production in Indo-Gangetic Plains, in-situ management is the more sustainable and practical method for recycling of residues.