Geospatial Analysis of Crop Residue Burn Areas and Their Dates for Emission Mitigation Strategies

Panjala, P and Gumma, M K and Mesapam, S and Shukla, A K and Pignatta, G (2025) Geospatial Analysis of Crop Residue Burn Areas and Their Dates for Emission Mitigation Strategies. Sustainability (TSI), 17 (6). pp. 1-19. ISSN 2071-1050

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Abstract

Mitigating the environmental impact of agricultural practices, particularly intensive rice farming, is critical in the face of climate change. This study focuses on mapping rice residue burn areas and their dates while estimating the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with residue burning and rice cultivation. By using Sentinel-2 satellite imagery, machine learning algorithms, and ground truth data, we analyzed changes in rice cultivation patterns before and after the Kaleshwaram intervention. The Near-Infrared Region (NIR) band was instrumental in accurately identifying residue burn areas and pinpointing burn dates, enabling timely alerts for decision-makers to act. Detailed quantifications of CO2, CH4, and N2O emissions from crop residue burning, alongside methane emissions from rice cultivation, highlight the significant contribution of these practices to overall GHG emissions. Key findings reveal a significant 82.1% increase in rice cultivation area from 2018–2019 to 2022–2023, accompanied by a worrying rise in residue burning, with some regions experiencing up to a 276% increase in burn areas. This research not only reveals the dual challenges of residue burning and GHG emissions but also emphasizes the importance of integrating precise burn date monitoring with emission data. The findings provide a strong foundation for implementing sustainable crop residue management strategies and developing informed policies to mitigate the adverse environmental effects of rice farming.

Item Type:	Article
Divisions:	Global Research Program - Resilient Farm and Food Systems
CRP:	UNSPECIFIED
Uncontrolled Keywords:	residue burning, emissions, date of burn, GHG, rice areas, remote sensing
Subjects:	Others > Remote Sensing Others > Rice
Depositing User:	Mr Nagaraju T
Date Deposited:	29 Apr 2025 08:46
Last Modified:	29 Apr 2025 08:46
URI:	http://oar.icrisat.org/id/eprint/13056
Official URL:	https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/17/6/2508
Projects:	UNSPECIFIED
Funders:	UNSPECIFIED
Acknowledgement:	We acknowledge that this study builds upon and extends our previous research, as published in “Geospatial assessment of cropping pattern shifts and their impact on water demand in the Kaleshwaram lift irrigation project command area, Telangana” (https://doi.org/10.3389/frsen.2024.1451594 (26 December 2025)). While this manuscript presents new analyses and insights, there are overlaps in the study area and foundational methodology. These overlaps have been cited appropriately to maintain transparency and highlight the continuity of our research efforts. We would like to thank the UNDP-DiCRA for their support in providing ground data. Our thanks go to ML Jat and other staff of both the NITW and ICRISAT for their support.
Links:	Google Scholar

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