Agriculture Burning - A Tool for All Growers
Burn Your Agriculture Residues Correctly

For many growers, the old and proven practice of burning crop residues is not only practical, but sometimes necessary for the control of certain diseases, insects and weeds. 

  In 2000, the ISDA enacted temporary rules specifically designed to lower the effects of crop residue burning.  Burning of field residues in grass seed  and other agricultural commodites is sometimes the only economical alternative for disease control and enhancing production.  

Burning Guidelines for Idaho Producers

·          Make sure all fields are properly registered for burning with ISDA or other agencies.

·          No burning of materials other than agricultural wastes. Agricultural wastes are those by-products produced as a result of producing a crop.  Petroleum products, household wastes, pallets, tires or plastic containers are not considered agricultural waste.

·          No burning during weekends or times where smoke may interfere with local activities such as local celebrations or county fairs.

·          Do not burn when wind conditions may blow excessive smoke toward populated areas.

·          Burn only during daylight hours, preferably between the periods of 9:00 AM until 4:00 PM depending upon the condition (dryness) of the agricultural waste.

·          Burn agricultural wastes only after they are properly dried so that a hot burn is produced with minimum smoke output.

·          Control the Burn! Make sure that there are adequate fire breaks or buffer areas and that fire fighting equipment is on hand. 

·          Practice back-firing and strip-firing techniques that burn the residue against the wind for a burning that is more complete and produces less smoke.

·          If smoke will move over roadways, make sure that you have adequate traffic control - either flaggers or signs slowing the traffic to safe speeds.  Don’t burn if the smoke will cross major roadways such as interstate highways.

·          If necessary, make sure that you have all required permits for burning prior to burning agricultural wastes.

·          Make sure that local weather conditions (wind speed/direction, temperature, inversion conditions) favor good smoke dispersal.

Do not burn if there are local restrictions prohibiting burning or there is excessive smoke in your area.

Remember that the agricultural burning, although a valuable tool, is also highly visible.  There are many community and environmentally conscious organizations that would like to severely curtail or eliminate burning altogether.  Obviously without viable alternatives, the elimination of agricultural burning would place a large hardship on Idaho growers.  By following the above guidelines, growers and producers can lower the visibility and adverse effects of burning and therefore, retain burning as a tool for effective crop management.