Burning acres harms soil, wildlife

The Natural Resource Conservation Service promotes burning CRP acres, which is counter to the intent of the NRCS. Burning destroys organic material that provides cover, protecting the soil from eroding. Organic matter is also a major component of soil quality. It provides soil nutrient and water-holding capacity, therefore reducing nutrient loss and water erosion.

Burning destroys wildlife habitat. Walk a burned field sometime and see the abandoned eggs and bones of animals unable to escape. You will find a lack of wildlife that would otherwise thrive there. The parched field leaves no residue to build nests nor cover for protection, nor seeds, insects or worms for food.

Burning causes tons of carbon emissions while at the same time the government forces us to pay extra for cars that reduce carbon emissions. The heat energy from burning is wasted. That energy would otherwise feed micro organisms in the soil, starting at the lowest level of the food chain.

Secondary effects include the introduction of invasive species, deterioration of water quality and the destruction of the ecosystem. There is also the risk of a fire getting out of control, causing unintended damage and risking loss of life.

The NRCS states that burning allows native grasses to quick start in the spring and it helps control unwanted trees. There are other ways to control trees and other grasses that may be more suitable. The NRCS purpose is to conserve the land, water and air - not manage native grasses. It's time to rethink about burning.

Ed Ulch

Solon