THE GLOBAL WINDOW OF TURKISH FOOD AND AGRICULTURE The Global Window of Turkish Food and Agriculture Sector
Related Articles
August 2026…
A Suggestion to Incorporate Stubble into the Soil by Plowing Instead of Burning It…
Fehmi Kiraz, the Chairperson of the Turkish Association of Agricultural Engineers, issued a warning regarding the practice of burning stubble, which also causes forest fires.
ANKARA…
Kiraz, speaking to an Anatolian Agency (AA reporter), commented on the practice of burning stubble in fields, which also causes forest fires.
Pointing out that stubble is burned in some regions after harvesting wheat and barley, Kiraz stated that this practice causes serious damage to the soil, the environment, and the national economy.
Emphasizing that as a result of stubble burning, beneficial microorganisms that ensure soil fertility are destroyed, the amount of organic matter decreases, the soil structure deteriorates and the effect of erosion increases, he said, “There is a misconception that the main reason for burning stubble is to easily prepare the soil for the next planting and to combat pests. When harvesting the crop, the stalks should be cut in a way that leaves them shorter.”
Kiraz called on producers to “not burn stubble,” noting that it is important to prefer agricultural practices that protect the soil and the environment.
Highlighting that necessary precautions should also be taken against fire risk, he added, “We invite our farmers to leave more productive and healthy agricultural areas for future generations. Soil is our most valuable inheritance. Burning stubble is burning our future.”
