Crop Residue Management: A Novel Technique for Restoring Soil Health and Sustainable Intensification in India

Abstract

India has achieved a record food grain production of ~300 million tonnes in 2019–2020. Simultaneous production of a large volume of crop residues (CRs) is natural. It is documented that ~700 million tonnes (Mt) of CRs are generated every year in India. But the proper disposal of CRs is of serious concern, especially in the irrigated and mechanized cropping systems of India. Hence, a huge quantity of CRs is burnt on-farm to clear the field for timely sowing of the next crop. The burning of CRs causes environmental pollution and loss of soil organic carbon (SOC) and nutrients, reduces microbial activities, and enhances soil erodibility. The continuous burning/removal of CRs leads to higher input costs in the short term and a decline in soil productivity in the long term. The burning of 1 ton of paddy straw release 1460 kg carbon dioxide (CO2), 60 kg carbon monoxide (CO), 3 kg particulate matter (PM), 200 kg ash, and 2 kg sulfur dioxide (SO2). Moreover, CR burning results in the loss of entire carbon (C), 80% of nitrogen (N), 25% of phosphorus (P), 20% potassium (K), and 50% sulfur (S). The inappropriate management of CRs will further lead to continuous depletion of soil fertility and deterioration of atmospheric quality. Hence, there is a need to develop efficient crop residue management (CRM) strategies to prevent the wastage of this valuable natural resource. The recycling of CRs offers a sustainable and ecologically sound option for restoring soil health and agricultural intensification. It can play an important role in C sequestration at 0.2 × l015 g year−1 to improve the soil organic carbon (SOC) pool. This book chapter explains all the efficient CRM practices with respect to eco-intensification. Retaining CRs as mulch on the soil surface, in situ incorporation, and producing compost and biochar are the most effective approaches to improve soil, air, and water quality. Hence, the aim of this chapter is to explore the feasibility of different CRM options for replenishing and sustaining soil health and environmental security. This chapter is focused on the possible alternatives for efficient recycling of surplus CRs to improve soil and environmental security and sustainable crop production in cereal-centric intensive cropping systems of India. It will help producers, researchers, academicians, and policymakers to achieve the “Sustainable Development Goals” in India. © The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2021.