A single spark can spread into a fire within just minutes. With the start of spring agricultural activities, cases of burning dry grass and stubble increase. What many consider a quick way to clear fields and pastures can actually turn into a disaster, harming both nature and human health.

The experts emphasize that this is not only wrong but also dangerous.

“Burning stubble is a serious issue for agroecosystems, not only for a particular field but also for the entire area, as the elements of the agroecosystem can be damaged”, said Artur Alaverdyan, a lecturer at the Forestry and Agroecology Department at the Armenian National Agrarian University, PhD in Biologic.

The organic composition of the soil changes, and moisture and soil fertility decrease. Although some people believe that burning dry grass can increase crop yields, experts warn that this effect is only temporary.

According to Alaverdyan, productivity sharply declines due to the combined negative effects of stubble burning in the medium and long term.

The fire is also a serious threat to wildlife. Ecosystems are damaged and gradually lose their ability to regenerate. The Rescue Service notes that such burnings often lead to large-scale fires.

The smoke and harmful substances produced during fires also negatively affect human health, increasing the risk of diseases.

According to Samvel Ayvazyan, fires release the risk substance benzopyrene into the atmosphere, which can lead to cardiovascular diseases, allergic reactions and even lung cancer.

It should be noted that burning stubble, plant residues and dry vegetation on agricultural lands results in fines: for individuals, fifty times the minimum wage and for legal entities, one hundred fifty times the minimum wage.

Regarding burning in forested and specially protected natural areas, it results in a fine: for individuals, in the amount of one hundred times the minimum wage and for legal entities, three hundred times the minimum wage.

Experts advise not to burn stubble, but to make use of it instead.

“It can be left on the soil, mixed with the top layer of the soil, composted or combined with crops that enrich the soil with nitrogen compounds. The range of tools is quite large: What’s needed is the willingness and ability to learn and adopt new technologies”, said Artur Alaverdyan.

“I urge our citizens to strictly follow fire safety rules, taking into account the fire-risk period, which begins with snowmelt and lasts until late autumn”, said Samvel Ayvazyan.

Dear citizens, avoid burning stubble, take care of the nature around you and if you notice smoke or a fire, call 112.