Causes of Soil Pollution

Soil pollution, also commonly known as soil contamination, is a condition that occurs when soil loses its structure, biological properties and chemical properties due to the use of various man-made chemicals and other natural changes in the soil environment. This form of pollution is generally more common in developed countries, such as the USA and the United Kingdom, as compared to developing countries. Factors often believed to contribute to soil pollution include the use of chemicals such as fertilizers, the salinity of the soil and environmental changes. Some of the most common factors causing soil pollution are elucidated and discussed at length below.

Use of Chemicals

Excessive use of chemicals such as pesticides, insecticides and fertilizers is one of the prime factors causing soil pollution. These chemicals adversely affect the soil by increasing its salinity and making it imperfect for crop bearing. The excessive use of chemicals also adversely affects the microorganisms present in the soil, causing the soil to lose its fertility and resulting in the loss of minerals present in the soil, thus causing soil pollution.

Soil Erosion

Another common cause contributing to soil pollution is soil erosion. Soil erosion occurs when topsoil moves from one place to another as a result of various natural and man-made factors, such as wind, water, deforestation and farming. The loss of topsoil due to erosion results in a loss of soil fertility and a decrease in the soil's capacity to retain water, thus ultimately causing the soil left behind after erosion to be rendered unfit to produce crops.

Salty Water

While water is one of the most essential ingredients that is required for the normal growth of crops, the use of water with a high salinity, that is, water that contains higher amounts of salts such as sodium chloride [NaCl], adversely affects the soil as well as the crop growth. The salts present in the water accumulate in the top layer of the soil, resulting in decreased growth of crops and decreased yields, and ultimately making the soil and the land unfit for crop yielding and other agricultural practices.

Other Common Factors Causing Soil Pollution

Other factors considered to be major contributors to soil pollution include chemical runoff from industries and factories, petroleum and other oil leaks from vehicles and improper discharge of sewage wastes.

Prevention/Solution

Among the various preventive measures often employed to combat soil pollution, some of the the most common and most effective measures include reducing the use of salty water and chemicals, using microorganisms that help in regaining the lost fertility of the soil by digesting certain chemical wastes and ensuring that proper methods for waste disposal are always used.