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A natural resource, soil, is a thin layer of organic and inorganic materials that covers the Earth’s rocky surface. Soil formation involves many factors and is a time consuming process. Mechanical weathering of rocks under the influence of temperature changes, wind, moving water, lichen are just some of the factors.
Contaminants such as toxic compounds, radioactive materials, salts, chemicals, when added to the soil, deteriorate the quality, texture and mineral content of the soil. This leads to soil contamination. Soil contamination disturbs the biological balance of organisms in the soil. The negative effect of this pollution is a reduction in soil fertility, which affects the growth of plants and animals.
The main causes of soil contamination are:
- Accidental use of fertilizers
- Accidental use of pesticides, insecticides and herbicides
- Disposal of large amounts of solid waste
- Deforestation and soil erosion
- Addition of industrial pollution
- Storage of radioactive waste
Soil pollution control
Suggested different steps to control soil contamination are as follows:
Limiting the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides:
As soil erosion has become a major concern, we must adopt three principles: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle to minimize the use of fertilizers and pesticides.
Biofertilizers are the best alternative to chemical fertilizers. These are microorganisms that serve to increase the fertility and growth capacity of the soil. This biofertilization process also reduces the need for pesticides and fungicides.
The practice of crop rotation – Legumes can fix atmospheric nitrogen and thus improve soil fertility. These plants can be grown between crops that absorb a lot of nutrients from the soil.
Recycling of materials
Recycling and re-use of materials such as glass containers, plastic bags, paper, textiles, etc. at the household level, rather than disposal, reduces solid waste contamination. The use of plastic bags has increased dramatically. Paper or jute bags can be a good alternative. Clay toys can be a good source of entertainment for children. It is advisable to completely ban the use of plastics.
Reforestation
Wasteland, soil erosion and flooding can be controlled through reforestation. Huge forests fell victim to human greed. It takes years to reform a forest. Everyone on earth should decide to plant trees to save our planet Earth.
Waste processing
Biological treatment of waste using anaerobic microorganisms such as methanogens and acetogens is advisable as it helps to break down soil waste into a less toxic and biodegradable form. Industrial and radioactive waste should be properly neutralized before being left in the soil.
It is high time man realized the importance of the fertile topsoil and took the necessary steps to protect it from contamination. Soil is an asset and nothing can replace that. The vast expanses of human-made desserts laugh at us. Since we cannot create reservoirs and reservoirs from natural fertile soil, should we not stop destroying it?
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Source by Anna Purna Edara