MEVE 019: Unit 06 - Biomass Burning

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 UNIT 6: BIOMASS BURNING

Introduction

Biomass burning is the combustion of organic matter, including wood, crop residues, and forest materials. While it has been practiced for centuries for agriculture and domestic use, uncontrolled biomass burning has become a major environmental and health concern. It releases harmful gases, reduces soil fertility, and contributes to air pollution and climate change.

Objectives

By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:

·         Understand the meaning and types of biomass burning.

·         Identify the major sources and causes of biomass burning.

·         Describe the impacts of biomass burning on the environment and human health.

·         Explore sustainable practices and alternatives to open biomass burning.

6.3 Biomass Burning

Biomass burning refers to the process of burning organic materials derived from living or recently living organisms. These materials include forest vegetation, agricultural crop residues, wood, straw, and household bio-waste.

Although some biomass burning is part of natural cycles (like wildfires), most current biomass burning is due to human activity. It is used for land clearing, crop residue disposal, cooking, heating, and industrial processes. However, large-scale and uncontrolled biomass burning has significant negative consequences.

6.4 Classification of Biomass Burning

Biomass burning can be classified into different types based on the source and purpose of burning:

6.4.1 Forest Fire

Forest fires (or wildfires) occur naturally due to lightning strikes, but most are caused by human actions. These fires burn large areas of forest and release vast amounts of carbon dioxide and particulates into the atmosphere. They also lead to habitat loss and soil degradation.

6.4.2 Agricultural Straw Open Burning

In many countries, especially in India, farmers burn leftover straw and stubble after harvesting crops like paddy and wheat. This practice is common because it is inexpensive and quick. However, it creates thick smoke that contributes to smog, especially in North India during winter.

6.4.3 Wood and Straw Combustion as Fuel

In rural areas, wood, cow dung, and agricultural residues are commonly used as fuel for cooking and heating. This indoor burning produces smoke that affects air quality and the health of women and children who are most exposed.

6.4.4 Miscellaneous

Other types include burning of household waste, dried leaves, and grass in residential areas or open spaces. Though small in scale, they collectively contribute to urban air pollution.

6.5 Smoke from Biomass Burning

The smoke produced during biomass burning contains:

·         Carbon dioxide (CO₂)

·         Carbon monoxide (CO)

·         Methane (CH₄)

·         Nitrous oxide (N₂O)

·         Particulate Matter (PM2.5, PM10)

·         Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

·         Black carbon (soot)

These substances are harmful to the environment, human health, and contribute significantly to global warming and air pollution.

6.6 Causes of Biomass Burning

Several socio-economic and practical reasons drive biomass burning:

·         Lack of affordable alternatives: Farmers and rural households often lack access to machinery for residue management or clean cooking fuels.

·         Tradition and ease: Burning is considered the fastest and cheapest method of waste disposal.

·         Unregulated practices: Weak enforcement of environmental regulations allows continued burning.

·         Lack of awareness: Many people are unaware of the harmful effects of biomass burning on health and environment.

6.7 Extent and Intensity of Biomass Burning

Biomass burning is widespread across India and other developing countries. In India, the northern states (like Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh) are major contributors due to post-harvest stubble burning. Satellite images often show dense clouds of smoke during crop-burning seasons. The intensity varies with agricultural cycles and weather conditions.

Globally, tropical regions in Africa, South America, and Southeast Asia experience biomass burning due to deforestation and slash-and-burn agriculture.

6.8 Impacts of Crop Biomass Burning

Biomass burning has multiple adverse effects:

6.8.1 Soil Nutrients

While some believe that burning helps fertilize soil with ash, frequent burning reduces soil organic matter, microbial activity, and essential nutrients, ultimately degrading soil health and productivity.

6.8.2 Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Biomass burning is a major source of greenhouse gases like CO₂, CH₄, and N₂O, which contribute to global warming and climate change.

6.8.3 Air Quality

The smoke releases particulate matter and other pollutants that cause smog and respiratory problems. In urban areas, it worsens air quality, leading to air quality index (AQI) readings in the hazardous range.

6.8.4 Health

Prolonged exposure to biomass smoke leads to:

·         Breathing problems (asthma, bronchitis)

·         Eye irritation

·         Cardiovascular diseases

·         Increased risk of stroke and cancer
Children, elderly, and people with pre-existing health conditions are especially vulnerable.

6.9 Sustainable Options and Alternatives to Biomass Burning

To reduce the negative impacts, sustainable alternatives must be adopted:

6.9.1 Biomass Management Practices

·         Happy Seeder Technology: Allows sowing of seeds without removing stubble.

·         In-situ Decomposition: Using bio-decomposers (like PUSA Decomposer) to convert stubble into manure.

·         Composting: Converting crop residue into organic fertilizers.

·         Mulching: Using crop residue as mulch to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.

·         Baling Machines: Collect crop residue for use as cattle fodder or biofuel.

6.9.2 Renewable Energy Strategy

·         Biogas Plants: Convert organic waste into biogas for cooking and electricity.

·         Bioenergy Production: Use agricultural residues in biomass power plants to generate clean energy.

·         Pelletizing: Crop residues can be converted into fuel pellets or briquettes for industrial use.

Government subsidies, awareness programs, and farmer incentives are critical for the successful adoption of these alternatives.

6.10 Let Us Sum Up

Biomass burning, although an age-old practice, poses serious threats to the environment, human health, and sustainable agriculture. Its widespread occurrence results from socio-economic limitations and lack of awareness. However, through a combination of policy support, technological intervention, and public participation, we can move towards sustainable biomass management. Alternatives such as composting, bioenergy, and decomposer solutions offer viable, eco-friendly options to prevent the harmful effects of biomass burning.

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