Bush burning has negative effects on soil, crops — Farmer

By bisola adeyemo

A farmer in Kubwa, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Fred Andrew has stated that bush burning, mostly done by farmers has negative effects on soil and plants.
He said, “Farmers believe it saves cost and time whereas it removes the natural vegetation cover that protects the soil surface. Bush burning exposes the soil to sunlight and this can affect crops.”
He added that aside destroying the soil organisms, soil texture and soil fertility, bush burning removes the vegetation cover, leading to soil erosion.
He said, “Also, bush burning causes air pollution by making the environment uncomfortable for humans and livelihood.
“It also disrupts insects and causes the wildlife to migrates to a far distance.”
Andrew therefore, advised farmers to always apply manual labor of clearing the farmland.
“Cutting of bush manually is still the best for clearing of farmland. By doing so it will enable us to eliminate bush burning and to preserve our environment.”
NatureNews gathered that bush burning can cause the soil to lose its ability to absorb and retain water.