COMPOSTING OF CROP RESIDUE FOR SUSTAINABLE SOIL AND ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT

Project Overview

Nepal’s Terai region, often referred to as the country’s agricultural heartland, produces large volumes of crop residues, particularly wheat and rice straw. Open burning of these residues has traditionally been practiced, contributing to air pollution, nutrient loss, destruction of beneficial soil microbes, and adverse public health impacts.

This project addressed these challenges by developing and validating a microbial decomposer solution designed for lignocellulosic crop residues. The intervention combined scientific innovation with farmer training, demonstration plots, and awareness campaigns to promote composting as a sustainable alternative to residue burning.

By integrating research, field demonstration, and community engagement, the initiative successfully demonstrated a practical and scalable model for soil restoration and climate-smart agriculture in Rupandehi and Nawalparasi districts.

Objectives
Primary Objective

To develop and promote sustainable crop residue management practices through microbial decomposer technology and capacity building, thereby reducing environmental pollution while enhancing soil fertility in Rupandehi and Nawalparasi.

Specific Objectives

• To train farmers in sustainable agricultural practices, with a focus on the effective management of lignocellulosic biomass and the promotion of composting as an alternative to open burning
• To raise awareness about the environmental, health, and soil-related consequences of crop residue burning
• To build local capacity by identifying and empowering lead farmers as peer educators

Project Activities & Key Milestones

• Composting & Technical Trainings (August–November 2023)

Hands-on trainings were conducted across multiple municipalities, including Mayadevi and Kanchan Rural Municipalities.

Results:

• 376 farmers trained from 8 municipalities of Rupandehi and Nawalparasi
• 35 participants attended composting training in Mayadevi RM
• 25 participants attended mushroom farming training in Kanchan RM
• 14 lead farmers trained in composting, Joran preparation, and decomposer use

Impact:
Strengthened local knowledge on sustainable residue management and reduced reliance on open burning.

2. Development of Microbial Decomposer (February 2025)

A microbial solution consisting of 25 selected isolates was prepared and validated for lignocellulosic residue decomposition.

Results:

• Locally adaptable decomposer formulation developed
• Alternative solution provided for farmers without livestock

Impact:
Enabled efficient composting of crop residues and improved soil nutrient recovery.

3. Demonstration Plots & Field Implementation (January 2024)

Demonstration plots were established in Matkolwa and Kanchan Rural Municipality to compare CREEW decomposer composting with traditional methods.

Results:

• Practical field validation of decomposer effectiveness
• Visible improvement in compost quality and soil texture

Impact:
Encouraged adoption through evidence-based farmer learning.

4. IEC Material Development & Awareness Campaign (October 2023)

Posters, brochures, and compost manuals were prepared and distributed across project sites.

Results:

• Information materials widely disseminated
• Awareness raised on health and environmental risks of residue burning

Impact:
Promoted behavioral change and long-term sustainability awareness.

5. Mechanization Support (February 2024)

A field-based reaper was deployed in Rupandehi to manage post-harvest stubble efficiently.

Results:

• Improved residue collection and management efficiency
• Reduced need for open burning

Impact:
Demonstrated practical mechanized alternatives to burning.

Community Engagement & Knowledge Sharing

• Farmers were trained to prepare Joran, a traditional local starter culture using locally available materials.
• Drums labeled with full preparation methods were distributed.
• A dedicated WhatsApp group facilitated continuous technical guidance and peer learning among 14 lead farmers.

Key Outcomes

• Significant increase in adoption of composting practices
• Improved soil quality and nutrient retention
• Reduced open burning behavior in target municipalities
• Strengthened local leadership through trained lead farmers
• Replicable and scalable microbial composting model established

Conclusion

The project introduced a practical and replicable model for managing crop residues through microbial composting. Despite infrastructural and behavioral challenges, it achieved measurable improvements in composting practices, soil health, and farmer awareness. By combining scientific research with local empowerment, capacity building, and community engagement, the initiative has promoted long-term agricultural resilience and environmentally sustainable farming practices in Rupandehi, Nawalparasi, and beyond.