Author(s):

PR Ramteke, PN Patle and NP Navnage

Abstract: Crop residues are important natural resources, and recycling of these residues improves the soil physical, chemical and biological properties. Crop residues are generally regarded as a waste, but when utilize properly, it improves the soil condition. There are several management options available, like burning, removal, incorporation, surface retention & mulching. Among this, most of the farmers resort to burning of residue to avoid interference with machinery while planting of next crop. Effects of incorporation, surface retention and mulching have been widely documented by researchers and found to be very effective in improving physical, chemical, and biological properties of soil. Residues decomposition product promote more aggregation, improves soil bulk density, total porosity, hydraulic properties, prevents surface sealing and crusting, allows more water to infiltrate by cutting down the runoff and soil loss. It maintain the soil thermal properties and soil moisture near surface Soil, thus enhances root and microbial activity and helps to achieve economic, ecological and socially sustainable agricultural production.

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