Evaluation of the Use of Direct Seeding System Instead of Stubble Burning as a Main Cause of Possible Wildfire

AbstractIn today’s world, despite the advent of new technologies and advances in telecommunications to demonstrate the negative impacts of fire, wildfires continue to pose one of the most life-threatening challenges to natural and human ecosystems. Recent records confirm that forest fires can grow and lead to significant blazes during the stubble burning process practiced by farmers. In Turkey, for instance, stubble burning accounts for 184 out of 2,698 registered forest fires. Stubble burning brings with it numerous associated environmental problems. This chapter explores whether the direct seeding (DS) system, an environmentally friendly practice that supports sustainable agriculture in lieu of stubble burning, can serve as a viable alternative. The study includes various applications related to DS in Yozgat, Turkey, situated in Central Anatolia. This region is characterized by a semiarid climate that relies on rainfed agriculture. After implementing DS for three years, farmers witnessed substantial increases in yield, although these improvements may vary depending on various factors. Qualitatively, it is evident that farmer impatience plays a pivotal role in driving the adoption of DS techniques. To mitigate the risk of wildfires caused by stubble burning, there is an urgent need for more comprehensive farmer education programs on DS. Widespread adoption of DS could ultimately eliminate the threat posed by stubble burning-induced wildfires.