Straw incorporation dilemma: A critical review of challenges and solutions for sustainable straw management

Abstract

The incorporation of crop straw into soil remains among the main options for maintaining soil health and functions, carbon stocks, and food security. The emerging problems associated with the incorporation of crop straw into soil, however, are becoming more common, undermining our ability to achieve the sustainable development goals (SDGs) of food security and climate change mitigation. Here, we systematically reviewed over 200 studies (2000–2024) to identify the main effects of straw incorporation on soil quality and health, environmental sustainability, and their implications to achieve the SDGs. We focused on soil quality issues, including fertility indicators such as physical and chemical properties, environmental pollution from non-CO 2 greenhouse gases (nitrous oxide-N 2 O and methane-CH 4 ) and ammonium (NH 3 ) volatilization, and soil health concerns such as crop diseases and pest occurrence. Crop straw may lower soil fertility by decreasing soil moisture in arid regions, reducing soil pH, and disrupting the C/N(P) balance. Straw incorporation poses challenges to environmental and soil health by increasing non-CO 2 emissions and increasing pest occurrence. Consequently, these impacts hinder the achievement of the SDGs, particularly SDG2 (zero hunger), SDG3 (good health and well-being), SDG6 (clean water and sanitation), SDG13 (climate action), SDG14 (life below water), and 15 (life on land). To address these challenges, we propose a three-step framework: (i) field-specific whole life cycle strategies (pretreatments, ‘3 R’ application methods, and ‘4 A+1’ posttreatments), (ii) country polices for equipment innovation and data-driven management, and (iii) global multidimensional strategies integrating food security and sustainability. Overall, this study provides a valuable framework and practical guidance to address the challenges of incorporating crop straw and increasing soil health, food security, and agricultural sustainability.

The authors' abstract, as published at the source. Soil and Tillage Research, 2026 · DOI ↗