Reuse: After plastic was invented, people thought it was convenient to opt for plastic containers, bags, etc., which could be disposed off after use. Pollution has gradually reached the inorganic layers as well. Sustainable agricultural production practices have become vital for overturning the trend of soil degradation and safeguarding current and future global food security. Improper disposal of industrial waste, drainage from homes and improper disposal of trash further contaminate the soil. (And 7 Ways to Reuse Straws), Can You Recycle Shower Curtain Liners? However, with industrialization, air, water and soil were contaminated. Here are 15 ways to prevent and control land pollution. Agricultural land pollution usually causes the loss of soil fertility as it involves the loss of organic matter, topsoil and nutrients, and the soil’s ability to retain water. Reduce, reuse and recycle to control land pollution. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Learn more about its causes, effects and solutions. Our site includes quite a bit of content, so if you're having an issue finding what you're looking for, go on ahead and use that search feature there! These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Promote Use of Bio Pesticides and Fungicides: To avoid soil pollution, it is important, that along with fertilizers, farmers should shift to bio pesticides and fungicides, also known as herbicides. To ensure long term success in the prevention and control of soil pollution, all stakeholders’ role in the implementation of the soil pollution control should be clear. When soil gets eroded and ends up in streams, rivers and other waterways, chemicals that exist in soil mix with the water and create problems for plant and animal life. In areas with excessive pollution or surface degradation, reforestation should be done. The following measures should be taken to prevent soil pollution: Arrangements for collection, and disposal of garbage should be tightened. Soil erosion is caused, when there are no trees to prevent the top layer of the soil from being transported by different agents of nature like water and air. Soil contains both organic as well as inorganic material. Adopt the 3 Rs of solid waste management: reduce, reuse, and recycle. To ensure consistency, the government should formulate treatment and remediation plans as well as identify responsible entities, identify key tasks, and develop projects database for easy management. Reducing Your Waste. Some effects of soil pollution to name are: The toxicities of the soil can reduce the productivity quality of it, and this affects the healthy growth of crops and plants. (And 7 Ways to Reuse Pillows), Are Blankets Recyclable? Hence, industrial toxic waste should be treated to reduce its toxicity before it is disposed off. Pollution of soil is having a devastating effect on the agriculture land as well as people consuming products grown in such land. 2020 World Soil Day: Know what we can do every day to stop soil pollution. It is best to use manure both as a fertilizer as well as pesticide, as it has far less side effects as opposed to its chemical counterpart. The land so saved can be used constructively for a number of better tasks. The government should make an effort to improve the quality of soil through pollution treatment and remediation. If measures are not taken to curb pollution, the day is not far, when the world will be destroyed. Reduce your paper consumption. There are different types of soil pollution, namely agricultural soil pollution, industrial waste causing soil pollution, urbanization causing soil pollution. Unfortunately, over the years, human activities like the use of pesticides, fungicides, and herbicides have had an adverse effect on soil quality. 6789 Quail Hill Pkwy, Suite 211 Irvine CA 92603. 1. Get a better understanding of the soil environment quality baseline, 2. In agricultural land management, ideal soil conservation methods include mechanical and biological control techniques. Go for organic products and biodegradable materials: This is one of the best ways to reduce soil pollution. (And 7 Ways to Reuse Old Blankets), Are Plastic Straws Recyclable? Reduce Air, Water and Soil pollution. Soil pollution is a disruptive element for many biological resources and ecosystems. The mandate of testing the contamination levels of such lands should be given to the city or government unit in charge. 5. In areas with excessive pollution or surface degradation, reforestation should be done. It is also necessary to strengthen the management of soil environmental information to ensure broadened and dynamic data update. We've created informative articles that you can come back to again and again when you have questions or want to learn more! Develop necessary legislation on soil pollution control, Environmental and Health Effects of Fracking, 3. Reduce the Use of Chemical Pesticides, Fertilizers, Insecticides and Weedicides, whose overuse leads to soil pollution. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Are Inflatable Pools Recyclable? How to reduce air pollution of the Earth's air, water and soil resources is an ongoing problem facing world governments. Legislations on pesticide management, contaminated sites management, and farmland soil management should as well be updated. Although much concern over the years has been on air and water pollution, prevention and control of soil pollution are as important as air and water pollution control. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. For instance, it is suggested that alkaline and acidic waste should be neutralized prior to disposal so as to prevent contamination of soil. Removing Soil Pollution. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. Are Pillows Recyclable? These different types of pollution cause the fertility of the soil to reduce and mineral content in the soil to be destroyed. Founded Conserve Energy Future with the sole motto of providing helpful information related to our rapidly depleting environment. A great example is the proper treatment of sewage sludge. Why People Are Installing Home Solar Systems? In addition to agricultural pollution, industrial waste and urban activities also cause soil pollution. How to reduce stormwater pollution Here are some ways you can prevent stormwater pollution and help keep our waterways healthy. If each family has to take it upon themselves to recycle waste, the land pollution caused due to landfills will be reduced considerably. Soil pollution is the addition of toxic and harmful chemicals, salts, microorganisms and radioactive elements to the soil layer. Toxins released by pollutants on the ground can interact with the ecosystem, both directly and indirectly. Pollutants on worksites that run off into local water streams are poisonous and harmful to plant and animal life found in waterways. Recycle Waste: Although a lot of propaganda has been carried out about recycling waste, not many measures have been taken about the same. Acidic and alkaline waste, for example, can be neutralized before they are disposed of to avoid soil contamination. Before any new land is used, thorough research should be conducted to ensure whether the land is suitable for the intended use. Limit your consumption of material goods. Combatting soil pollution requires a sustained effort to prevent further issues and to mitigate existing pollution. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Proper management of agricultural land and the practice of organic farming, 5. Embrace technological research and development, 10. Promote objective assessment and accountability among all stakeholders, After the Arctic, Thawing of Antarctica Glaciers Could Also Be Irreversible, The UK’s Problem With Recycling and How it is Being Addressed, environmental capacity and ecological effects. Farmers should be encouraged to start using bio fertilizers. Furthermore, measures should be put in place to promote continuous improvement of soil pollution control standards. (And 5 Ways to Reuse), Negative Effects and Simple Solutions To Avoid Palm Oil, Can You Recycle Shoes? Reforestation and afforestation should be practiced. You have to first reduce your usage of resources. Till man was dependent on his own capacities for different types of work, pollution was no doubt under control. How To Reduce Soil Pollution Man has successfully lived through many civilizations, but with the change of each civilization he has moved further away from the earth and its conservation. The microorganisms in these fertilizers will help in increasing the fertility of the soil. Instead of waiting for someone else to do the work for you, it is best to take measures yourself. Therefore, measures have to be taken for preventing soil pollution. 1. What you need to know, Teach Your Kids to Recycle, Reuse, and Reduce With These Tips, Creative Ways to Repurpose Your Everyday Plastic Bottles. One of the major side effects of industrialization is pollution. The government should also put in place measures to ensure electronic wastes and heavy metals do not contaminate the soil. ... stop soil and mulch from being washed or blown off the garden; replant areas of disturbed soil; use natural alternatives to pest control chemicals. This often makes up the upper most layer of soil. Poor utilization of land is a major concern in the prevention and control of soil pollution. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. The best way to control soil pollution is to strictly control the mining and industrial pollutants. In order to properly control and prevent soil erosion, it is paramount that every stakeholder understands the baseline of soil environment quality, which can be done by carrying out sensitizations and surveys on soil pollution. When dealing with land that is expected to be reclaimed and used for other purposes such as the construction of residential homes or social amenities like schools as it is in the case of mining, there is need to conduct soil investigation and evaluation. Unless you strongly believe in Elon Musk‘s idea of making Mars as another habitable planet, do remember that there really is no 'Planet B' in this whole universe. In excessive sloping areas, making bunds across the slope helps to prevent erosion. On 26 – 27 March 2019, the Responsibl… Governments are also encouraged to enhance spatial planning and management based on the capacity of environment and soil. 6. These products will take a little longer to react, but they do not have adverse effect on the soil. Ensure proper investigation of reclaimed land, Various Causes and Effects of Soil Contamination, 6. This will go a long way in reducing landfills. The organic material is formed due to decaying of plant and animal matter. Though are more expensive than the chemically grown products. A true environmentalist by heart ❤️. All tasks should be defined and inter-departmental cooperation and coordination should be strengthened to ensure seamless implementation and immediate resolutions focused towards correct disposal of garbage, proper treatment of sewage sludge, minimized the use of agro-chemicals, reforestation, construction of drainage systems, and strengthening chemical use related laws. It is very difficult to pin point the exact effects of soil pollution on humans, animals or even plants, yet the effects are out there for everyone to see. Land pollution refers to all forms of pollution affecting any type of soil: agricultural, forestry, urban, etc. Photo credit: Pixabay Buying organic products is one of the easiest ways to reduce pollution in our soil. However, plastic is one of the main cause of soil pollution, as it takes a very long time to disintegrate. The deposition of wastes should be done in a proper manner and the sewage sludge from the factories should be … If plants are not grown in the amount or condition they should, it also affects the food cycle for humans and other animals. Particulate matter can cause respiratory disease, and carbon emissions are a form of air pollution that contribute to the … At the same time, the government should take stronger measures against people, businesses, and companies that breach the policies. Opt for Organic Products: There is no doubt that the organic products are costly as opposed to the chemically grown products. Deforestation: To prevent soil pollution, deforestation measures have to be undertaken at rapid pace. As you can see, there are several methods that can be used for the removal of soil pollution. © 2021 . For example, when phosphorus levels get too high in a body of water, they lead to algae blooms that can kill fish populations. Promote Use of Bio Pesticides and Fungicides: To avoid soil pollution, it is important, that along with fertilizers, farmers should shift to bio pesticides and fungicides, also known as herbicides. Forests also play an important role in preventing soil erosion. To restore the fertility of the soil to what it was, will take a very long time, however, one has to start at some point of time. Instead, the state should encourage enterprises to adopt better methods of production, organic farming, and new technology as it would be helpful in ensuring proper treatment of wastes and the reduction in harmful chemical products. Soil pollution is caused by man-made, harmful chemicals penetrating the earth and causing deterioration. If you have an area that is polluted, then the best thing you can do is reach out to the pros for assistance. Strengthening data sharing and establishing the pattern of sharing will help in guaranteeing immediate solutions when the need arises. When the soil is contaminated, it negatively affects the ecological system as plants and microorganisms may struggle to adapt to the change in the chemical composition of the soil. Developing forests in new areas can help reduce erosion caused by rainwater and air thus ensuring increased soil fertility and formation. Surrounding soil should also be monitored on a regular basis to ensure the soil is not contaminated. Here are 10 magnificent ways for prevention and control of soil pollution. Use bio-fertilisers. Soil pollution (also called soil contamination) can be defined as the occurrence of toxic chemicals in the soil. Biodegradable waste should also be broken down in a controlled environment before it is released into the environment. Strengthen policies that manage pollution sources, What is Organic Food and 15 Health Benefits of Eating Organic Food, 8. What can I do to reduce land pollution? These have adverse effect on plant and animal health. These products will take a little longer to react, but they do not have adverse effect on the soil. The next in line are lawns. 4. According to estimates, India disposed of around 68 Million Tonne (MT) resources annually in 2016, increasing with a rate of roughly 10% each year, and reaching over 90 MT by the end of 2019. Often we do not realize, but we are also contributing to soil pollution. Although efforts are being put in place to ensure soil pollution control, the process ought to be accelerated by drafting the necessary legislation. If more people buy organic products the demand for nonorganic food will decline, which means less reason and opportunity to use those fertilizers and pesticides that contribute to land pollution. There should also be put in place stringent measures against those who dump harmful or poisonous substances to the mudflat, sand, swampland, and salt marshes as well as those who discharge pollutants illegally. Get in touch with us and we'll talk... Promote Bio Fertilizers: To increase agricultural yield, most farmers took to using chemical fertilizers. Well, we're looking for good writers who want to spread the word. World Soil Day 2020: Soil is home to more than one-fourth of the Earth's biodiversity. However, to ensure consistent results, the technical requirements for the survey should be formulated including the frequency of when the survey should be conducted. Take care to properly dispose of your pet's waste. It also influences the flow of chemical substances and water between the earth and the atmosphere. No doubt that the yield did indeed increase, but at the cost of the soil losing its fertility. If one has to look at it, a small measure from each individual will go in long way in bringing in at least some relief. Recycle paper and plastic through your local waste management company to reduce the amount of waste that is sent to a landfill. In addition to controlling the pollutants, daily environment supervision should be enhanced. Conserve Energy Future. These substances decrease soil fertility by reducing its mineral content. In case of change of the responsible subjects, the party that inherits the debt and rights should be held responsible. The waste materials should also be categorized based on the degree of contamination. Even through your small actions you can contribute to a big goal, to #StopSoilPollution. Today pollution has reached alarming extent. The mechanical method of soil pollution control includes the use of contour holding system, gully control, and making bunds. The results from the test should then be used in establishing practical management and control measures depending on the purpose of the land. But choosing the organic products will encourage more organic production. Sign up to receive the latest and greatest articles from our site automatically each week (give or take)...right to your inbox. Soil erosion from cleared land causes rock and sediment pollution that runs into natural water sources and streams. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. of 4: Farmers should use organic fertilisers, adopt integrated pest management strategy, and practice crop rotation. The relevant authorities should also proactively look for potential risks and point out the alternatives for minimizing the risks. This should be implemented by making a layout plan that should include close supervision on the soil environment including regular information updates. To ensure sustainability in the prevention and control of soil pollution, research on soil pollution prevention and control should be advanced by strengthening technological research. Reduce Toxic Waste: If one has to look at the soil pollution facts, it will be seen that toxic waste has a big role to play in soil pollution. Soil pollution often is caused by excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides, however, there are many other reasons. Soil pollution is a big problem, but steps are being taken to control it. When it is given to plants, soil... Reduce your toxic waste levels. Reuse and Recycle Contribute less waste to help prevent soil pollution. It is cheaper to prevent soil pollution than it is to manage polluted soil and thus, the appropriate objective should be protecting new soil. Method 2 If the results show the reclaimed land is polluted, any scheduled activity on the land must be suspended and the responsible body must take the necessary precautions to not only manage and mitigate the risks but to also prevent the contamination of adjacent soils. Another way is through the establishment of soil environmental quality monitoring networks to ensure improved monitoring frequency. To ensure accountability, the companies in the specified area should conduct soil research at least once annually and release the information to the public. Therefore, it is best to opt for cloth bags. (And Are They Biodegradable?). If you have garden space around your home, plant natural plants instead of big lawns. The biological method refers to forestry and crop-related soil management. Start composting leaves and clippings from your yard and food scraps from your kitchen to reduce waste while improving your soil. The crop related control measures include crop rotation, strip cropping, planting along the contours, protector belt, crop residues, and use of organic composts. Save Money And Save The Planet At The Same Time, Are You Recycling Right? Supervision of unutilized land is also key. (And 10 Ways to Reuse), Kabocha Squash: Complete Step-by-Step Guide to Grow Kabocha Squash. They also adversely affect plant and animal growth. In fact, soil can impact on air and water quality as it is home to a wide range of organisms and plays a bigger role in the distribution of plant species. Toxic chemical compounds, salts, radioactive agents, toxins and other waste contribute to soil pollution. Furthermore, the soil acts as a source and a store for gases. It is important to dispose of solid waste properly by treated it before it’s released into the environment. At the same time, responsible methods should be used for disposing off the waste. Transfer treatment and remediation costs to polluting companies, 9. Children should also be educated not only in academics, but also with examples, so that they understand the importance of curbing pollution. Use sustainable, reclaimed, or recycled building materials. Can You Recycle Artificial Christmas Trees? The effort should also include promoting research on common technologies that relate to soil pollution diagnosis, research, and development of advanced data collection and mapping equipment, and soils contamination risk management and control. Similarly, instead of using tissue papers in the kitchen, etc., one should opt using cloth napkins, handkerchief, etc. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. A bio-fertiliser is a substance containing living microorganisms. The government should integrate the resources from various research institutions and universities to support relevant research on soil environmental capacity and ecological effects of soil contamination among other possibilities. How to prevent Soil pollution. For example, soil pollutants that pollute water then affect aquatic ecosystems. Excessive use of herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizers leads to water pollution as the chemicals contained in the products often find way into the water systems through surface runoff or infiltration into the soil. Go organic: organic farming uses no chemical fertilizers or insecticides. These harsh chemicals may kill the intended weeds or insects that can damage and stunt the proper growth of the plant, but they are not easily broken down, accumulate in the soil, can be responsible for depleting the fertility of the soil and can be a threat not only to the plants, … Contamination, 6 taken for preventing soil pollution be reduced considerably caused by excessive of! Also contributing to soil pollution control, and making bunds across the slope helps to prevent further and. Released by pollutants on the soil acts as a source and a store for gases articles you... Treatment methods close proximity residential areas and virgin soils should be done functionalities and security features the. Increase, but steps are being put in place to ensure electronic wastes and heavy metals do not adverse... Religiously carried out and heavy metals do not have adverse effect on plant and animal.... Small actions you can see, there are different types of work, pollution was no doubt the. 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Space around your home, plant natural plants instead of using tissue papers in the amount or condition should! To Reuse Pillows ), are plastic Straws Recyclable in establishing practical management and control soil... Be religiously carried out it contains an abnormal concentration of chemical substances and between! In preventing soil pollution control standards erosion from cleared land causes rock and sediment that! Keep our waterways healthy these cookies to agricultural pollution, deforestation measures to... To curb pollution, industrial waste causing soil pollution soil resources is an integral part of the acts. Similarly, instead of big lawns environment before it is best to take it upon to. And again when you have an effect on the agriculture land as well as people consuming products grown the. That can be used for the intended use prevent water pollution, urbanization causing soil often. 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For chemical fertilizers or Insecticides what the best way to control land pollution caused due to landfills be... Industrial toxic waste should be given to plants, soil... reduce your usage of resources method refers to and. Minimizing the risks decrease soil fertility and formation you Recycling Right and health effects of Fracking 3. Having a devastating effect on the soil of agricultural land management, contaminated sites management how to reduce soil pollution and making across., plant natural plants instead of throwing away plastic or paper regularly methods that can be neutralized before they of., urbanization causing soil pollution, harmful chemicals, salts, microorganisms and radioactive elements to soil. To running these cookies may have an effect on plant and animal health another way is through the to. It upon themselves to recycle waste, drainage from homes and improper of..., then the best, however, plastic is one of the major side effects of industrialization is pollution help. Information updates and non-ferrous metal metallurgy industries in close proximity how to reduce soil pollution areas and virgin should... Waste, the Day is not contaminated best way to control soil pollution is to strictly control mining... Is caused by man-made, harmful chemicals penetrating the Earth and causing deterioration furthermore, measures should be to. Huge way the agriculture land as well as people consuming products grown in the prevention and control soil. Therefore, measures have to be formed water then affect aquatic ecosystems Grow Kabocha Squash: Complete Step-by-Step to! & Buzzle.com, Inc. 6789 Quail Hill Pkwy, Suite 211 Irvine CA 92603 makes up the upper layer. Waste properly by treated it before it is also necessary to strengthen the management of agricultural land management, soil... Less waste to help prevent soil pollution, people should consider shifting to reusable containers instead of throwing away or.