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Asia-Pacific Network for Global Change Research

Asia-Pacific Network for Global Change Research

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Project • ARCP2015-08CMY-Dey, ARCP2014-17NMY-Dey

Impacts of Crop Residue Removal for Biomass Energy on Soil Function: Studies to recommend Climate Adaptive Agricultural Waste Management

Renewed interests in utilizing biomass energy from various agricultural wastes for local usages in countries of South Asia and as well for its removal through open burning, prompt strategic assessment of the common practice of agro-waste management in the climate milieu. In the present study, spanning India, Bhutan and Philippines, impacts of removal and burning crop residues on local environment, soil health and yield has been found to be detrimental, compared to keeping it and utilizing it more wisely as since the wastes, when used as manure or mulch, perform positive functions by controlling surface erosion, retaining soil organic matter and soil moisture, enhancing soil functions and by restoring bio-ecology of the soil. Agro-waste biomass used as raw mulch and biochar has also improved the carbon capture and storage potentials of soil and abated loss of air quality. On-site biomass burning contributed to climate change by releasing GHGs, forming tropospheric ozone, produces smoke aerosols with adversely impact ambient air quality, temperature and health. Therefore, specific guidelines for residue harvest and utilization that are impending has been recommended for climate adaptive sustainable agro-practices in waste management and as well scientifically validated in the present action-research