The sustainability of straw removal from wheat and barley fields from the standpoint of
its effects on soil properties and nutrient cycling is a concern. A recent literature review
reveals that there is no negative effect of small grain straw removal on soil organic carbon
(SOC) content with irrigated conditions. With rainfed conditions, the results could be
more variable and depend on site productivity. Large amounts of nutrients are removed
when straw is removed, accelerating the rate of nutrient depletion and cost of replacing
these nutrients