Definition of soil pollution

The build-up in soils of: persistent toxic compounds chemicals salts radioactive materials
Soil pollutioncausing agents disease is caused by the presence of human-made chemicals or other alteration in the natural soil environment.
4/15/12

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Soil Pollution
Soil pollution is caused by the presence of chemicals or other alteration in the natural soil environment.

Resulting in a change of the soil quality

likely to affect the normal use of the soil or endangering public health and the living environment.

4/15/12

CAUSES OF SOIL POLLUTION

Industrial wastes such as harmful gases and chemicals, agricultural pesticides, fertilizers and insecticides are the most common causes of soil pollution. Ignorance towards soil management and related systems. Unfavorable and harmful irrigation practices. Improper septic system and management and maintenance of the same. Leakages from sanitary sewage. Acid rains, when fumes released from industries get mixed with rains. 4/15/12

Effects

Decrease in soil fertility. Loss of soil and natural nutrients present in it. Disturbance in the balance of flora and fauna residing in the soil. Increase in salinity of the soil. Generally crops cannot grow and flourish in polluted soil. Foul smell due to industrial chemicals and gases might result in headaches, fatigue, nausea, etc., in many people. Soil pollutants would bring in alteration in the 4/15/12 structure, which would lead to death of soil

Control of soil pollution

Use of pesticides and fertilizers should be minimized. Cropping techniques should be improved to prevent growth of weeds. Special pits should be selected for dumping wastes. Controlled grazing and forest management. Wind breaks and wind shield in areas exposed to wind erosion Afforestation and reforestation.

3 Rs: reduce, reuse, recycle

4/15/12
5