The natural ecosystem would be incomplete without soil. Although water pollution have received the most attention in the past, soil pollution prevention and control are just as vital. Due to its diversity of life and importance in plant dispersal, soil has the potential to have a significant impact both air and water quality.
In addition, the soil serves as both a source as well as a repository for gases. Additionally, it has an effect on the exchange of chemical compounds and liquid water between the planet’s surface and the atmosphere. Because of human activities like pesticides, fungicides, and herbicides, the quality of soil has declined over time. Other factors, such as industrial and urban activity, contribute to soil pollution.
Improper industrial waste disposal, household drainage problems, and trash disposal issues all contribute to soil contamination. When soil is contaminated, plants & microorganisms may have difficulty adjusting to the new chemical characteristics of the soil, which can have a negative impact on the ecological system. Soil pollution can be prevented and controlled in ten different ways.
Understanding The Soil Environment’s Quality Baseline Is The First Step
To prevent and control soil erosion, all stakeholders must be aware of the soil environment’s baseline quality, which can be accomplished by conducting soil pollution sensitizations and surveys. Technical requirements for such survey should be developed, including the regularity of the survey, in order to ensure that the results will be consistent.
Another option is to set up soil environmental quality surveillance networks in order to increase the frequency of monitoring. It is also required to improve the administration of soil environmental data in order to enable a broader and more dynamic update of the information. Making data sharing more robust would assist ensure that when the need comes, answers can be found quickly.
Ensure That Soil Pollution Control Legislation Is In Place
Soil pollution control is being worked on, however legislation should be drafted sooner rather than later to expedite the process. It is necessary to review and update existing registrations to reflect current soil pollution prevention and control strategies, including such urban and rural planning, agriculture, and land management.
There should be an overhaul of regulations on pesticide use, toxic areas, and agriculture soil management. It is also essential that soil pollution management requirements are continually improved.
Organic farming and land management are two of the most important aspects of sustainable agriculture.
Soil pollution can be prevented and controlled if land is not properly utilised. Because of the depletion of organic matter, topsoil, nutrients, and the soil’s ability to retain moisture, pollution of agricultural land typically results in decreased fertility. In farmland management, mechanical and biological soil conservation strategies are ideal.
Forestry and crop soil management are also included in the biological method. Organic composts and agricultural wastes are among the crop-related control strategies that can be employed. Keeping soil from being eroded is an important function of forests.
Increasing soil fertility or formation can be achieved by establishing forests in previously unforested areas. Reforestation is recommended in places with high levels of pollution or degradation of the land’s surface. Contour holding systems, gully management, and building bunds are all examples of mechanical soil pollution control. Bunds can be built across steep slopes to help prevent erosion.
Treatment Of Solid Waste In The Correct Manner
Solid waste must be properly disposed of before it can harm the environment. As an example, the neutralisation of acidic or alkaline waste can prevent soil pollution. Before releasing biodegradable garbage into the environment, it should be reduced down in a safe atmosphere. Sewage sludge treatment is a good illustration of this.
The level of contamination should also be considered while classifying the garbage. Mildly polluted materials must be treated in controlled situations before being released into the natural environment, whereas substantially contaminated materials should be subjected to strict management, treatment, or control.
