Paddy Straw Management Practices

Paddy straw is one of the organic materials and natural residues obtained from the paddy crop. It is the third largest crop remanant obtained from the agriculture after sugarcane bagasse and maize straw. Storage of the surplus paddy straw, removal of entire straw from the field and very little time between the cultivation of the next crop are the major issues associated with paddy straw. Thus, stubble burning is a quickest, cheapest and easiest way to prepare field for the next crop. Burning of paddy straw results in extensive impact on both on and off farm, e.g., killing of useful microflora and fauna of the soil, losses of soil organic matter and contribution to harmful greenhouse gases including their harmful effects on human and animal health. Therefore, paddy straw burning is a major issue of environmental pollution also. Hence, need of the hour is to provide environment friendly alternatives to paddy straw instead of burning in open field. Paddy straw can be used as a source of energy, mulching material, biofuel, industrial raw material, fodder for animals, etc.