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Ashton Mutyavaviri
WITH anxiety levels among stakeholders in the agriculture industry on the ascent, thanks to the firming prospects of a possible return of El Nino weather, experts have urged wheat farmers to preserve straws for later use as mulching material and feed for livestock.
This comes on the backdrop of a widespread adoption of conservation agriculture practices to climate-proof crops against the harsh effects of a possible drought, which might necessitate the use of wheat straws as mulching material while livestock may use them for food.
Straws can also impact on the health of soils significantly upon rotting and help reduce chemical pollution of the environment, as their use does not promote the use of chemical fertilisers. They also contribute to a more sustainable agricultural ecosystem.
Government has been encouraging farmers to harvest and stock grass as well as participate in on-farm feed production (OFFP) where they are provided with inputs to grow as the supplementary feed for their livestock.
In a recent interview, Food Crops Contractors Association (FCCA) chairperson Mr Grahame Murdoch encouraged farmers to also explore other innovative uses for wheat straw, for instance, poultry bedding and cattle feed. “These alternative uses not only provide economic opportunities for farmers but also contribute to a circular economy where agricultural waste is transformed into valuable resources,” said Mr Murdoch.
The call on farmers to harvest and preserve wheat straws highlights the need for a more environmentally conscious approach to agriculture. By managing wheat straw effectively, farmers can contribute to soil health, reduce pollution and promote a more sustainable and resilient farming system.
He suggested that farmers could benefit from crop residue by incorporating it back into the soil as organic matter.
Mr Murdoch went on to remind farmers that using mulching would help conserve moisture in the event of dry spells.
By doing so, farmers can improve soil fertility, water retention capacity and overall soil structure. This practice enhances nutrient cycling, reduces the need for synthetic fertilisers and mitigates soil erosion, he explained.
He castigated farmers who burn wheat straw saying the practice was contributing to atmospheric pollution.
“The burning of agricultural residues including wheat straw, contributes to air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions and can have adverse effects on human health. It is crucial for farmers to recognise the environmental and health implications of this practice and adopt sustainable agriculture methods that will help mitigate the effects of climate change,” he further explained.
Online Reporter