The natural resource, soil, is the thin layer of organic and inorganic materials that covers the rocky surface of the Earth. Soil formation involves a large number of factors and is a process that takes time. Mechanical weathering of rocks due to temperature changes, wind, moving water, and lichens are some of the contributing 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 contaminants upset the biological balance of organisms in the soil. The adverse effect of this contamination is the reduction of soil fertility that affects the growth of plants and animals.
The main causes of soil contamination are:
- Random use of fertilizers.
- Random use of pesticides, insecticides and herbicides
- Disposal of large amounts of solid waste
- Deforestation and soil erosion
- Addition of industrial contaminants
- Dumping of radioactive waste
Soil contamination control
Several suggested steps to control soil contamination are as follows:
Reduce the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides:
As soil erosion has become a major cause for concern, we must embrace the three R’s: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle to minimize the use of fertilizers and pesticides.
Biofertilizers are the best alternatives to chemical fertilizers. They are microorganisms that are used to increase the fertility and growth capacity of the soil. This Biofertilization process also reduces the need for pesticides and fungicides.
Crop rotation practice. – Legumes can fix atmospheric nitrogen and therefore improve soil fertility. These plants can be grown among crops that absorb a large amount of nutrients from the soil.
material recycling
Recycling and reuse of materials such as glass containers, plastic bags, paper, cloth, etc. at the household level instead of discarding, it reduces contamination by solid waste. The use of plastic bags has increased dramatically. Paper bags or jute sacks can be a good alternative for them. Toys made of clay can be a good source of fun for children. A total ban on the use of plastics is recommended.
Forest repopulation
Barren land, soil erosion, and flooding can be controlled through reforestation. Huge forests have become a prey to man’s greed. It takes years together to reform a forest. Every individual on earth should decide to plant trees to save our planet earth.
waste treatment
Biological waste treatment using anaerobic microorganisms, such as methanogens and acetogens, is advisable, as it helps break down soil waste into a less toxic and biodegradable form. Industrial and radioactive waste must be properly treated before being left on the ground.
It is time for man to realize the importance of fertile soil and take the necessary measures to protect it from pollutants. Soil is an asset and there is no substitute for it. Wide expanses of human-created desserts laugh at us. When we can’t create tanks and tanks of naturally fertile soil, shouldn’t we stop destroying it?
