Evaluating crop residue management and environmental impacts through remote sensing and farmer surveys: A case study in Jagtial, Telangana

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate Crop Residue Management (CRM) practices and their environmental impacts in Jagtial, Telangana, by integrating remote sensing data and farmer surveys. Using Sentinel-2 and Sentinel-5P satellite imagery, a rapid assessment of burnt areas and emissions of CO and NO2 was conducted during the post-harvest period in 2019. The differenced Normalized Burn Ratio (dNBR) quantified burned areas, showing an increase from 301.19 square kilometers in September to 961.01 square kilometers in October. Emission estimates indicated significant rises in CO and NO2 concentrations after the burning period. A survey of 100 farmers revealed that 65% relied on burning crop residues, despite recognizing its negative impacts on soil health, air quality, and personal health. Economic barriers were the primary impediments to adopting alternative practices. The integration of satellite data and survey results highlighted the urgent need for policy interventions to promote sustainable CRM practices. This study emphasizes the critical role of real-time remote sensing in monitoring agricultural practices and supports the development of targeted strategies to mitigate the adverse environmental and health effects of crop residue burning.