Soil scientists spent nearly 18 years studying the impacts of field crop burning. The practice is utilized by grain farmers in the Arkansas Delta to clear fields of plant refuse, kill weeds and other pests, and prepare the seedbed for next year’s planting.
Some in the region complain, however, about the large plumes of smoke that fill the skies in the fall causing problems for those with respiratory ailments. Others complain about the smell, and the smog created. At times, the smoke can engulf streets and roads making it more hazardous to drive.