Enhancing Sustainability in the Indo-Gangetic Plains Through Biochar: A Solution to Stubble Burning
2024
Meenu Yadav, Deepak Kumar Yadav and Anuradha Jayaraman
In the Indo-Gangetic Plains (IGP) of northern India, the prevalent rice-wheat cropping system (RWS) is marked by a continuous cycle of planting wheat from October to April and rice from June to September. However, the transition between these crops necessitates the burning of stubble due to the short time frame available for land preparation before planting wheat. This practice contributes significantly to environmental pollution and poses health risks to both humans and ecosystems. To address this issue, alternative management strategies for crop residue are imperative. Utilizing stubble as fuel, feedstock for biofuels, or raw material for the pulp and paper industry offers promising solutions. Among these, biochar emerges as a particularly effective option. Biochar, derived from the pyrolysis of agricultural waste, not only mitigates environmental pollution but also enhances soil health, crop productivity, and overall agricultural sustainability. Our proposal emphasizes the potential of biochar as a soil conditioner, promoting soil carbon sequestration, improving soil quality, and ultimately enhancing food security.
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