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Environmental Studies - Soil Pollution
Soil pollution refers to an undesirable decrease in the quality of soil, either by man-induced sources or natural sources or by both.
Soil is vital not only for the growth of plants and growing food but also cultivating raw materials for agro-based industries. Health soil is a significant prerequisite for human survival.
Causes of Soil Erosion
- Deforestation at large scale
- Over-grazing
- Mining
- Decrease in soil microorganisms
- Excessive use of chemical fertilizers
- Excessive use of irrigation
- Lack of humus content
- Improper and unscientific rotation of crops
Soil pollution leads to many harmful consequences such as decrease in agricultural production; reduced nitrogen fixation; reduction in biodiversity; silting of tanks, lakes and reservoirs; diseases and deaths of consumers in the food chain due to use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, etc.
Soil Pollution Control
Adoption of soil-friendly agricultural practices.
Use of compost manures in place of chemical fertilizers; Use of bio-fertilizers and natural pesticides help in minimizing the usage of chemical fertilizers and pesticides
Scientific rotation of crop to increase soil fertility.
Proper disposal of industrial and urban solid and liquid wastes.
Planting of trees to check soil erosion in slopes and mountainous regions.
Controlled grazing.
Reduction in the heaps of garbage and refuse.
The principles of three R’s − Recycle, Reuse, and Reduce − help in minimizing generation of solid waste.
Formulation and effective implementation of stringent pollution control legislation.
Improved sewage and sanitation system in urban areas.