Crop Residue Burning: Consequences and Management in North India

When handled poorly, crop wastes are typically viewed as a nuisance. Crop residues can enhance the dynamics of soil organic matter and nutrient cycling, resulting in a climate that is generally favourable for plant development. Under tropical rice-based cropping systems, good crop residue management and use are crucial factors in raising soil quality and crop yield. Crop residue raises crop yield and enhances the physiochemical and biological characteristics of the soil. It can partially replace the nutritional intake from fertiliser. Sulfur dioxide (SO₂ ), carbon dioxide (CO₂ ), carbon monoxide (CO), methane (CH₄ ), nitrous oxide (N₂ O), black carbon (BC), non-methyl hydrocarbons, volatile organic compounds, and particulate matter (PM-2.5 & PM-10) are the main pollutants released when burning crop residues, and they have a significant impact on global warming. The current study's goals are to evaluate the quantity of residue generated, its in-situ and ex-situ use, and to highlight the detrimental impacts of residue burning on human health, soil health, and the environment in India's north-western (NW) states, particularly in Haryana. This study also addresses potential methods for managing agricultural leftovers in an environmentally responsible and sustainable manner. To handle the paddy wastes in-situ, timely availability of conservation agricultural equipment is crucial.