Where is All the Smoke Coming from in Southern IN?

Driving Through Walls of Smoke in Southern Indiana

The other night, I was driving home and passed through a wall of smoke. It filled the car with the subtle scent of campfire and I started craving s’mores.

Then yesterday, while driving past a field, my daughter and I noticed plumes of smoke rising from the ground. I've lived in this area my whole life, and I’ve never really questioned why farmers burn their fields. But last night, I saw a post in my Community of Chandler, IN Facebook group that raised the same question. The comments were surprisingly insightful, so I decided to dig into it myself.

Why Are Farmers Burning Fields in Indiana This Year?

The University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture cites several reasons farmers sometimes choose not to burn their fields, even though it’s one of the most cost-effective ways to prepare land for crop production.

Burning can lead to the loss of essential nutrients, organic carbon, and plant residues in the soil. Burning can reduce soil organic matter and decrease protection against erosion. This can lead to negative effects over time.

So, if there are drawbacks, why are we seeing so much field burning this year?

READ MORE: Best Place to Buy Farm Fresh Fruits and Vegetables in Southern Indiana

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Flooding Has Contributed to More Agricultural Burns

Earlier this year, we experienced a record flood that affected the area. Because the flood waters were incredibly vast and some were connected to the river, the water was contaminated with debris, invasive seeds, and insects.

Weed and Pest Control

By burning the ground and destroying habitats, farmers eliminate unwanted insects and weeds that have found their way into the fields, which can reduce the need for herbicides and pesticides.

Nutrient Recycling

Fire breaks down leftover corn stalks and other plant material and returns some essential nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus to the soil.

READ MORE: When to Start Seedlings Indoors in Indiana & Kentucky

Is Field Burning Legal in Indiana?

According to the Indiana Department of Environmental Management, most open burning is prohibited. However, Open Burning Rule 326 IAC 4-1-3 allows for the burning of vegetation from agricultural land for maintenance purposes.

I also noticed in the comments that a few people mentioned that smoke, along with seasonal allergies were making life miserable here in the tri-state. While field burning is considered a controversial practice due to air quality concerns, it remains a legal and sometimes necessary practice for farmers to yield the best crop.