Stubble Burning and Pollution: ICAR Warns of Irreparable Damage to Soil and Air Quality
As Delhi continues to choke under hazardous air pollution senior scientists from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) have raised alarms about the dual damage caused by stubble burning—not only polluting the air but also depleting vital soil nutrients.
Nutrient Loss and Soil Degradation
ICAR scientists revealed that burning one tonne of paddy stubble results in a significant loss of soil nutrients, including:
12-13 kg of phosphorus
35 kg of potassium
20 kg of nitrogen
Of these, nitrogen is completely lost, while phosphorus is partially recoverable. ICAR Director General Himanshu Pathak emphasized that stubble burning harms both the environment and agricultural productivity, stating, “In any form, stubble should not be burnt as it harms everyone.”
Rising P...
