Soil contamination or soil pollution as part of land degradation is caused by the presence of xenobiotics (human-made) chemicals or other alteration in the natural soil environment. It is typically caused by industrial activity, agricultural chemicals or improper disposal of waste.

Various Sources of Soil Pollution

• Agricultural sources. Agricultural practices such as the use of non-organic products in crop and livestock production lead to soil pollution.
• Industrial sources.
• Urban waste.
• Sewer sludge.
• Mining and Smelting sources.
• Nuclear sources.
• Deforestation.
• Biological agents.

Soil pollution is mostly caused by mindless human activities such as:

• Industrial waste.
• Deforestation.
• Excessive use of fertilisers and pesticides.
• Garbage pollution.
• Climate change.
• Loss of soil fertility.
• Impact on human health.
• Reforestation.

Types of Soil Pollutants

• Biological Agents. Biological agents work inside the soil to introduce manures and digested sludge (coming from the human, bird and animal excreta) into the soil.
• Agricultural Practices.
• Radioactive Pollutants.
• Urban Waste.
• Industrial Waste.

Soil pollution increase the salinity of the soil making it unfit for vegetation, thus making it useless and barren. If some crops manage to grow under these conditions, they would be poisonous enough to cause serious health problems in people consuming them.

Effects Of Soil Pollution Hazardous chemical entered into the food chain from the soil, causes disruption of biochemical process. Soil becomes infertile because of waterlogging and salinity. Toxic chemicals affect plant growth and animal life.

Soil. It is the uppermost layer of Earth’s crust, which supports terrestrial plants, animals and microorganisms. It is formed from the weathering of rocks by physical, chemical and biological activities by the action of wind, water and sun.

To prevent soil pollution, its causes must be controlled. Reduce the use of plastics: Plastics and polythene bags destroy the fertility of the soil. Industrial pollutants: Some waste products from industries and homes pollute the soil. Insecticides: Other pollutants of soil include pesticides and insecticides.

Urban development activities can cause rapid soil degradation and sedimentation. Soil erosion and sedimentation from construction sites can be significant in quantity and in the impact on off-site resources such as streams. Urban development activities can cause rapid soil degradation and sedimentation.

Salting

Soil pollution can be reduced by proper regulated waste dumping and by avoiding littering, reduced use and throwing of toxic material, recycling of waste materials, decreasing the use of toxic fertilizers, pesticides, insecticides, and instead opting for organic products, stop deforestation by growing more plants ( …