1、To burn or not to burn: The question of straw burning and nitrogen

Avoiding straw burning while adjusting N fertilizer would mitigate N 2 O emissions. Nitrous oxide (N 2 O) is the main greenhouse gas emitted from farming systems and is associated with nitrogen (N) fertilizer application as well as decomposition of organic matter present in the environment.

2、Can Straw Burning Be Used as Fertilizer?

Thus, straw burning can be viewed as a method of converting biomass resources into fertilizer. Environmental Impact: Straw burning generates environmental pollution, including emissions of carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and other pollutants.

3、Bio ash – 5 facts about fertilizing with recycled biomass

When power plants burn straw and wood for green energy, part of the fuel is converted into ash. Instead of wasting the bio ash, it can be used as fertilizer on your fields. Straw ash and wood ash are natural products and effective fertilizers for conventional and, in some cases, organic farming.

4、Frontiers

Although straw returning to the field (SRTTF) is conducive to promoting sustainable agricultural production and protecting the environment, straw resources are still wasted due to the lack of suitable straw-returning technology in southern China.

Analysis of the Available Straw Nutrient Resources and

Therefore, to address these issues, the current research examines the main nutrient composition of straw returned directly to fields and the potential substitution of straw for chemical fertilizers.

Straw return and organic fertilizers instead of chemical fertilizers on

Excessive nitrogen application, straw burning and lack of organic matter input have resulted in the decline of soil fertility and seriously threatened the sustainable production of high-quality Japonica Rice in Jilin Province.

Fertilizer production from straw

Straw should not be burned but can use microbial products to be able to decompose quickly and become organic fertilizer that contributes to environmental protection, a biological expert advised.

An appropriate amount of straw replaced chemical fertilizers returning

Three treatments were set up in the experiment: chemical fertilizer (CF), straw replaced 1/3 N fertilizer (MS), and straw replaced 2/3 N fertilizer (HS). In this study, three replicates were selected for each treatment.

Reducing straw residue burning and air pollution through sustainable

Burning of straw results in severe consequences for the environment as it leads to soil deterioration. Soil nutrients, pH level, moisture, available phosphorus, soil organic matter and microbial population are all adversely influenced by burning.

Study of the utilization of main crop straw resources in Southern China

Here, the total amount of straw resources in southern China was estimated based on statistical yearbooks and a large number of studies using different methods to assess the potential for straw resources to replace fertilizers in different regions.

The feasibility and effectiveness of using straw burning as fertilizer are constrained by multiple factors. Below is a detailed analysis of this practice:

I. Basic Principles of Straw Burning

1. Component Analysis of Straw: Straw primarily consists of organic materials such as cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. During combustion, these components are converted into ash. The ash contains essential mineral elements for plant growth, including potassium, phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium.
2. Fertilization Process: When straw is burned, its organic matter decomposes at high temperatures, releasing gases (e.g., carbon dioxide, water vapor, carbon monoxide) and mineral elements in the residual ash. These substances can be absorbed by the soil, similar to the process of organic fertilizer production. Thus, straw burning can be viewed as a method of converting biomass resources into fertilizer.
3. Environmental Impact: Straw burning generates environmental pollution, including emissions of carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and other pollutants. Additionally, improper handling of ash residue may cause secondary pollution to soil and water resources.

II. Conditions for Using Straw Burning as Fertilizer

1. Soil Conditions: Straw, as an organic fertilizer, requires suitable soil conditions to maximize its efficacy. Soils rich in organic matter are ideal for straw application. Factors such as soil pH, temperature, and humidity also affect its fertilizer efficiency.
2. Climatic Conditions: The efficacy of straw burning is highly sensitive to climate. In dry and rain-scarce regions, straw decomposes quickly and releases nutrients rapidly. In contrast, in humid and rainy areas, slow decomposition reduces fertilizer effectiveness. Temperature and precipitation further influence outcomes.
3. Technical Measures: To enhance fertilizer efficiency, technical adjustments can be made. For example, optimizing straw stacking methods and controlling combustion temperatures can improve nutrient release. Additionally, introducing microbial agents (e.g., microbial inoculants) can accelerate straw decomposition and mineralization.

III. Limitations of Straw Burning as Fertilizer

1. Resource Waste: Straw burning is energy-intensive and economically inefficient. Compared to alternatives like using straw as feed or raw material, it wastes resource value and generates environmental pollution costs.
2. Environmental Risks: Although straw burning produces fertilizer, it also releases pollutants (e.g., dioxins, furans) that pose risks to human health and ecosystems.

IV. Recommendations

1. Optimize Straw Utilization: Explore eco-friendly and efficient alternatives, such as producing biomass energy or biochar, to reduce environmental pollution.
2. Strengthen Research on Comprehensive Utilization: Invest in technologies for straw utilization to develop more efficient and sustainable methods.
3. Promote Straw-Fertilizer Technologies: Governments and enterprises should encourage farmers to adopt straw-fertilizer practices through policy support and technical training, advancing sustainable agricultural development.

while straw burning shows potential as an organic fertilizer source, its environmental risks and resource inefficiency necessitate cautious application. By optimizing utilization methods, advancing technology, and promoting eco-friendly practices, straw resources can contribute to sustainable agriculture without compromising environmental integrity.