Thesis Abstract

Crop residue is an important agricultural byproduct left behind after harvest of various crops. Improper management of crop residue can lead to several on-farm and off-farm problems. The objective of this study was to evaluate different crop residue management practices and their impact on soil health and environment. Field experiments were conducted on maize and wheat crop residues to study the effects of burning, removal, and incorporation of residues. Soil properties like organic carbon, moisture, nutrients and microbial activity were analyzed under different treatments. Results showed that residue incorporation helped in improving soil aggregation and fertility while burning led to loss of nutrients and organic matter. Findings of the study can help farmers adopt suitable crop residue management practices for enhancing soil quality and sustainability.

Thesis Overview