Soil Pollution

Soil Pollution is defined as the introduction of substances,biological organisms, or energy into the soil,resulting in a change of the soil quality,which is likely to affect the normal use of the soil or endangering public health and the living environment.

Sources of Soil Pollution

1.urban wastes:Both domestic and commercial wastes are classified as urban wastes.All solid wastes of urban wastes are commonly termed as 'refuse' which contains garbage,and rubbish materials like papers,fibers,plastics,glasses,bottles,street sweepings,leaves,abandoned vehicles and other discarded products.

2.Industrial wastes:These are the major source of soil pollution.They consists of organic and inorganic compounds along with non-biodegradable materials.Most of the chemicals present in the liquid wastes are accumulated in the soil and causes soil pollution.

3.Agricultural practices:Plants on which we depend for food are under attack from insects,fungi,bacteria viruses,rodents and other animals, and must compete with weeds for nutrients.In modern agricultural practices,the types most commonly used are insecticides,fungicides an herbicides while other varieties include nematicides,miticides,rodenticide and molluscides.These causes accumulation of these chemicals in the soil.

4.Farm house wastes:Increase in population of cows,cattle,pigs and poultries in the farm house results pollution of soil

5.Biological agents:These are
a.Pathogenic organisms occurring in contaminated soil.
b.Pathogenic organisms excreted by man.
c.Pathogenic organisms excreted by animals.

Effects of Soil Pollution

1.Removal of the top soil of land causes low fertility for crop production.

2.Disposal of industrial effluents and domestic wastes on land causes accumulation of chemicals and loss of fertility.

3.Soil flora and fauna may be adversely affected.

4.The crop produced in a polluted land will be of inferior quality.

5.Deforestation is threatening not only the existence of many species and the livelihood of many indigenous people,but can also influence the climate.

6.Toxic chemicals leached from the land filling areas into the soil underneath causing an unusually large number of birth defects,cancers and respiratory,nervous and kidney diseases.

Control of Soil Pollution

The following measures may be adopted to control soil pollution:
a. Preserving the top soil which is the fertile soil.By planting of more trees soil erosion can be controlled.
b. Understanding the relationship between soil,water and plant and protect the mineral cycles of fixation.
c. Disposal of property treated industrial wastes,physically,chemically and biologically causes fewer hazards
d.Preventing the entry of leachates from the land fills into the soil layer can minimize the entry of chemicals.
e.Use of fertilizers and pesticides preferable in optimal dose.
f.More plough or mix can improve aeration,porosity and permeability of soil.