Unveiling the impacts of crop residue burning on soil properties and human health: A review

Crop residue burning is a widespread agricultural practice, particularly in South and Southeast Asia, has profound effects on both soil properties and human health. It has the impact on soil fertility, structure, and microbial activity, alongside the associated health risks due to air pollution. The burning of crop residues leads to a significant loss of soil nutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and others, thereby diminishing soil fertility and reducing crop yields over time. Severe consequences of exposure to pollutants released during burning, such as particulate matter (PM), carbon monoxide (CO) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These pollutants contribute to the deterioration of air quality, leading to an increase in respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, particularly in vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions. The research underscores the urgent need for sustainable alternatives to crop residue burning, such as residue incorporation, no-till farming, and the use of crop residues for bioenergy production. These alternatives not only preserve soil health but also mitigate adverse health outcomes. Policy interventions and farmer education programs are essential to promoting these sustainable practices and reducing the harmful impact of residue burning on both the environment and human health.