Soil is like water and air, equally important for living organisms. It supports plants on which all other living organisms depend. The process of soil formation is so slow that the soil is considered as a non-renewable source. Therefore, the study and control of soil pollution is important.
Sources of soil pollution
There are several materials, which adversely affect
physical, chemical and biological properties of the soil and thus reduce its
quality. These are -
1. Pesticides and
insecticides that are sprayed on crops.
2. Fertilizers and
manures that are added to the soil to increase the crop yield.
3. Over irrigation.
Effects of soil pollution
- The productivity of soil is reduced due to the addition of harmful substances like chemicals, pesticides and herbicides.
- Chemicals and pesticides affect the structure and fertility of soil by killing the soil microorganisms.
- Faulty sanitation and unhygienic practices of the people add to the soil pollution.
- Pathogens present in wastes and excreta contaminate the soil and vegetable crops grown in that soil causes diseases in humans and domesticated animals.
- Increase in the concentration of soluble salts is called salinization. This adversely affects the quality and productivity of soil. It takes place due to accumulation of salts on soil surface and over irrigation. Saline soil becomes unfit for growth of vegetation.
learn About Air Pollution from here :
Air Pollution : Causes, Effects and Measurements
Control of soil pollution
Various measures to control soil pollution are
- Use of chemical fertilizers should be reduced by using more of bio-fertilizers and green manures.
- Use of pesticides can be reduced by adopting biological control of pests.
- Use of cattle dung and agricultural wastes in biogas plants should be encouraged.
- Plantation can check soil erosion to a great extent.
