Comparative Analysis of Air Pollution from Traditional and Organic Maize Cultivation in the Northern Thailand

Abstract

This article aimed to assess air pollution associated with traditional versus organic maize cultivation in northern Thailand. The findings indicated that conventional maize cultivation was a significant source of various air pollutants, including fine particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) and haze, primarily resulting from the burning of stubble and crop residues after harvest. Furthermore, this method contributed to the emission of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide (CO₂) and nitrogen oxides (NO), due to the application of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, as well as the utilization of agricultural machinery, which posed detrimental effects on public health and the environment. Conversely, organic maize cultivation, which eschewed synthetic chemicals and emphasized biological management of crop residues, demonstrated a marked reduction in air pollution. Although organic farming still emitted some greenhouse gases and pollutants from machinery, the overall volume was significantly lower compared with traditional practices. This article advocates strategies that promote organic farming and the adoption of alternative technologies to burning, thereby advancing more sustainable maize cultivation practices.