Farmers Alert: Dangers of Stubble Fires and Sustainable Farming Practices
“Let the hard work of our farmers not burn away with a spark.”
ANKARA – 13.07.2024 – Şemsi Bayraktar, President of the Turkish Agricultural Chambers Union (TZOB), held a visual press conference regarding the increasing incidents of stubble fires.
Bayraktar stated, “The practice of stubble burning, which is considered a routine agricultural application, causes significant long-term damage to soil fertility. This practice leads to a loss of productivity in agricultural lands.” He emphasized that the uncontrolled rise of stubble fires can result in the destruction of farmers’ labor and threaten the future of soils, underscoring that all the efforts farmers invest during the growth of their harvested products can turn to ash in an instant.
“In these days when the need for food is at its highest level, we must avoid putting agricultural production in jeopardy. With this awareness, both our citizens and farmers should be more sensitive about protecting our land,” he stated.
“The benefits of stubble burning are minimal compared to the harm it causes.”
Bayraktar explained that farmers burn stubble to improve planting for the new crop and save fuel. However, he highlighted the serious damage stubble burning causes to the soil. “Returning stubble to the soil prevents erosion and stops the loss of fertile land,” he said.
He pointed out that stubble burning disrupts the natural ecosystem and leads to even poorer soil fertility in soils that are already lacking in organic matter. “Stubble prevents rain from reaching the soil and reduces surface runoff,” he added.
“Our farmers should explore alternative methods instead of burning stubble.”
Bayraktar noted that factors affecting soil fertility include minerals, fertilizers, and biological organisms, adding that if stubble is not returned to the soil, the need for more fertilizers will arise, increasing costs. He emphasized that soils rich in organic matter have a higher capacity to retain water.
“In the last five years, 5.6% of forest fires have been caused by stubble fires. These fires threaten both our agricultural fields and our forests,” Bayraktar remarked.
He stressed the need to raise awareness among farmers about the dangers of stubble burning and to provide training on this issue, stating that outdated practices like stubble burning should be ended for sustainable agriculture. Protective measures should be taken against such incendiary practices, and beneficial methods like direct seeding technology should be promoted.
John Peterson graduated with a degree in Agricultural Sciences from Wageningen University in the Netherlands. His specialization is in sustainable crop production and soil health management. John is passionate about integrating modern technology with traditional farming methods to enhance productivity while preserving the environment. He currently works as a consultant, helping farmers adopt sustainable practices.