Until recently, farmers have been free to burn at their will. They could burn what they wanted, when they wanted. But with the public becoming increasingly conscious about health and environmental matters, there are several issues to consider before the match is struck and dropped in the windrow. The first is the health issue . Health agencies are concerned about the effect the smoke from burning crop residues can have on those with asthma and other breathing problems.
Safety is also an issue.
Thick smoke wafting across a highway or road is not safe for drivers. The surrounding environment is also an issue when burning occurs in a field. The public doesn't like to see potholes, sloughs and treed areas burning if the fire gets away. And finally, liability is an issue. Not only does the field become susceptible to the forces of the wind and rain, any accumulated soil carbon is lost as well as nutrients contained in the straw and stubble.