TZOB stubble burning warning

Şemsi Bayraktar, President of the Turkish Union of Agricultural Chambers (TZOB), made a video press statement about the stubble fires that started in many regions these days when the harvest was concentrated.

Bayraktar said: “These fires cause the destruction of the natural and agricultural ecosystem, the decrease in the amount of organic matter in our soils that are insufficient in organic matter, the decrease in the water retention capacity of the soil, the increase in water and soil erosion, the extinction of vertebrate and invertebrate creatures, in short, the infertility of the soil and the death of nature.”

‘FARMERS HAVE TO USE MORE FERTILIZER’

Bayraktar continued his statement as follows:

“Stubble fires are also caused by rising air temperatures and sparks from power lines. In this regard, all relevant institutions, especially local administrations and fire brigades, must take precautions. Roads should be cleared of undergrowth and combustible materials removed, roadside warning signs should be posted about the damage from stubble burning.

Although there are administrative sanctions under Environmental Law No. 2872, unfortunately some of our farmers continue to burn stubble. Soil fertility is generally determined by the minerals, fertilizers, and biological organisms in the soil. When these burn, our farmers have to throw away more fertilizer.

When stubble is added to the soil, the soil needs less fertilizer and there is an increase in productivity. By burning stubble, it becomes easier to cultivate the land, but the strength of the land is lost. Our farmers need to be aware of this. Stubble that is not introduced into the soil leads to the use of more fertilizer, ie an increase in cost.

Our citizens need to be sensitive to stubble fires. In particular, butts that are not completely extinguished by the roadside can turn 1 year’s work of our farmers to ashes. In addition to the negativities experienced in the wheat and barley markets this year, our citizens need to be more careful that the work of our farmers is not destroyed.”