Variation in soil properties due to on-field residue burning in sugarcane based agro-ecosystems of Central India
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.26832/24566632.2026.110209Keywords:
Crop residue burning, Soil nutrients, Soil organic carbon, Sustainable agricultureAbstract
Crop residue burning is a widespread practice in India that significantly affects the environment, climate, human health, and soil quality by altering nutrient dynamics and soil biological activity. Despite its known adverse consequences, it remains a common residue management method. The present study was conducted during 2022-2023 across three sugarcane fields in Narsinghpur district of Madhya Pradesh, to evaluate the short-term effects of sugarcane residue burning on soil physicochemical properties. Soil samples were collected before and after burning within the same cropping season to assess immediate changes. Results revealed increases in soil pH (8.05 to 8.13), electrical conductivity (110.69±14.27 to 163.09±4.78 µs/ppm), soil organic carbon (1.02±0.19 to 1.15±0.16 %), phosphorus (21.26±7.73 to 22.95±7.80 kg/ha), manganese, iron, and zinc. In contrast, nitrogen (56.45±3.62 to 54.35±5.53 kg/ha),
potassium (162.97±14.17 to 133.77±11.50 kg/ha), and copper (1.92±0.09 to 1.73±0.05 µg/g) declined. Compared to pre-burn conditions, on-field residue burning increased soil organic carbon and phosphorus by 12.75% and 7.95%, respectively, while reducing potassium and nitrogen by 21.83% and 3.84%. Overall, the investigation indicates that residue burning leads to a short-term improvement in certain soil chemical properties, likely due to ash deposition, but also results in nutrient imbalances and losses of essential elements such as N, K, and Cu. These findings highlight the transient nature of nutrient enrichment following burning and emphasize the need for long-term studies to assess its sustained effects on soil health.
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