Managing paddy straw for sowing wheat

摘要

Management of paddy straw in the combine harvested fields is a big problem. PAU has developed Happy Seeder that allow direct sowing of wheat using paddy residue as mulch. IN Punjab more than 90 per cent area under rice is harvested with combines. Cropresidue left in the combine harvested field is disposed off by complete/partial burning prior to land preparation for the next crop. Partial burning implies burning of the loose residue within 2-3 days rice harvesting that leaves partially burnt standing residue (45-55 per cent of the total residue). Complete burning involves shreading of the residue close to the ground surface with the help of stubble shaver followed by drying and then burning to the extent of 90-95%. According to an estimate in order to clear fields for wheat sowing 36% of combine harvested area in Punjab is being partially burnt, the remaining 55% is completely burnt.