how can we prevent soil pollution essay

Prevention of Soil Pollution: What You Should Know

Looking after the earth’s precious soils is not only vital, but it’s everyone’s responsibility.

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The prevention of soil pollution is vital for human health, food production, and healthy ecosystems. Land contamination is a huge problem globally – an estimated 16% of all soil in China is polluted, and the EPA reports that there are up to 1.3 million sites classified as “contaminated lands” in the USA – so we must take immediate action.

17 actionable ways to prevent soil pollution (and keep it clean)

Human activities are causing various kinds of soil contamination, with major culprits including fertilizers and pesticides used in agriculture, the mining industry, waste disposal , and the improper handling of hazardous chemicals.

This has a range of implications for people and the planet, from risks to human and animal health to threatening our food supply, destroying forests and other habitats, and contributing to climate change.

If you want to learn more about soil pollution, its causes, and its impacts, take a look at our comprehensive guide here .

Thankfully, there are plenty of things we can do to prevent soil pollution on an individual, community, and political level. Let’s start with the big-picture policies and approaches, then look at actionable and easy steps you can take to make a difference.

1. Involve local communities in land and soil management

As with virtually all kinds of conservation, soil management is most effective when it involves governments, companies, and the local community. Protecting our precious land resources demands dedicated efforts and buy-in from all levels of society.

Therefore, it is essential to educate individuals and groups about the importance of soil conservation and what they should do to prevent land pollution . Equally, governments must listen to the voices of the local community and take the time to hear their concerns and ideas about land management.

People often have unique on-the-ground insights that can be invaluable for legislators and help them to create better laws and guidelines. Additionally, communities will be more likely to comply with the rules if they are created with their needs in mind.

2. Improve legislation on soil pollution control and prevention

Unfortunately, there need to be stronger laws in the US and elsewhere to prevent soil pollution. While companies, organizations, and communities are responsible for protecting the natural environment, the best way to ensure that they do this is through strict legislation.

Given the diverse causes of soil pollution, preventing it requires a range of laws and guidelines across various areas and at the state, federal, and international level.

These areas could include:

• Tighter controls on the transport, storage, and use of hazardous substances
• Permanent solutions for safe, long-term storage of nuclear waste
• Restrictions on the use of chemical pesticides and agriculture
• Incentives for organic farmers
• Bans on mining practices that release toxic dust or liquids into the environment
• Encouraging vertical cities to limit urban sprawl
• Laws to avoid food wastage, such as incentivizing companies to donate unneeded food through tax breaks
• A price on carbon to encourage industry to move away from fossil fuels and towards renewables

3. Adopt waste-to-energy practices

Waste-to-energy (WtE) is, in essence, turning trash into power. More specifically, it involves using waste treatment processes to generate energy, whether in the form of electricity, steam, heat, or fuels like diesel.

Industry can adopt WtE to power their facilities and municipalities can use it to run power stations that feed the grid 24 hours a day, just like a normal power plant, but completely clean, with no greenhouse gas emissions.

Many different types of waste can be used as fuel, including municipal solid waste (MSW), semi-solid effluents from industry, liquids such as domestic sewage, and gasses like refinery exhaust fumes.

The most common type of waste used in WtE is MSW, which represents an abundant and continual supply of fuel. Furthermore, it helps to prevent soil pollution by diverting solid waste from landfills, where it could disperse contaminants into the environment.

4. Conduct research on the soil environment quality baseline

In order to protect the health of the soil environment, it’s important to know where we stand. Therefore, one of the key steps in preventing soil pollution is to conduct research to get a clear picture of the current condition and quality of the soil.

Ground quality surveys give us a baseline that we can use to identify changes as early as possible and take the necessary action. This also means conducting regular surveys to monitor the situation and address any issues.

This work could be commissioned by local authorities, non-government organizations, or by establishing community-based monitoring networks of the quality of the soil environment. Strong networks with a suitable data-sharing process will make it easier to develop quick and effective solutions when problems emerge.

5. Implement soil remediation

Prevention is always better than cure, but when soil has been polluted, the responsible party should address this through remediation. If the company or person responsible isn’t willing or able to do so, local authorities should step in to repair the damage.

There are three methods that can be used to resolve soil contamination:

• Thermal remediation: This process uses heat to remove contaminants from the soil and groundwater. As the subsurface heats up, certain organic compounds mobilize, making it easy to remove these particles.
• Bioremediation: As the name suggests, bioremediation uses living organisms such as bacteria and other microbes. The microorganisms digest organic contaminants like solvents, phosphates, and hydrocarbons, converting them into carbon dioxide and water.
• Mycoremediation: This type of remediation uses fungi which remove contaminants like heavy metals by absorbing and metabolizing them.

6. Control mining and industrial pollution

Another essential part of preventing soil pollution is keeping a close eye on major polluters, such as mining, agriculture, and industry. Rather than introducing laws and leaving companies to get on with things, governments need to ensure that they’re following the rules.

This should involve formal monitoring, with detailed plans for supervision built into legislation to ensure key actors are complying with all rules and guidelines.

It could also be a good idea to conduct regular checks of the soil environment to make sure it is not contaminated – this could be done by the company and reported to the government or, better yet, by an independent expert.

Furthermore, as the carrot to this stick approach, governments can offer incentives to companies that implement eco- and soil-friendly practices. There are a wide range of ways to do this: examples include subsidies for organic producers and tax breaks for companies that install solar panels and other renewable energy systems.

7. Be strict when approving new uses of land

Soil pollution prevention is closely linked to how land is approved for new uses. It’s essential that governments carefully consider each application for land use, whether for construction, agriculture, mining, and industry, and weigh it up against possible environmental impacts, including implications for soil health.

Even residential construction can have a range of negative impacts on the soil, so it’s important for authorities to critically assess this use and whether it could lead to soil pollution. Furthermore, before giving approval, authorities should conduct detailed surveys on the current soil condition, and use this to set appropriate guidelines for management and control if the new land use does go ahead.

These surveys will also show if the soil is already contaminated, so that authorities can order a stop to any planned construction or use of the land until the situation is addressed and any risks eliminated.

8. Make companies pay for polluting

It’s not enough to simply have laws and guidelines in place that aim to avoid soil pollution. For these to be effective, there need to be consequences for anyone who breaks the rules.

Furthermore, these consequences should be harsh enough to be a true deterrent to wealthy companies. This could include steep financial penalties and even jail time for activities like illegal dumping, dispersing pollutants into the environment, use of prohibited chemicals, or unauthorized land use.

Another effective approach is having polluters pay the costs of treating and remediating contaminated land. This is a great way to directly hold companies responsible for the damage they cause and discourage repeat offenders, though is most effective if governments retain responsibility for creating plans for remediation and monitoring the results.

9. Promote research and development

Although we know a fair amount about the causes of soil pollution and how we can prevent it, more research is needed. Further research and development will allow us to develop better processes and more effective solutions to not only remediate contaminated soil but also stop it from being damaged in the first place.

This could include research into detecting soil contamination, new soil remediation techniques, and alternatives to pollutants like chemical fertilizers and pesticides, as well as the soil environment more generally and the impacts of soil pollution.

Unfortunately, research dollars are all too often spent on areas of commercial or military priority, rather than concepts and technologies that could benefit the environment.

Governments and companies alike should take a farsighted approach instead, and support research that promotes sustainability . After all, the long-term health of the planet is essential for the economy, human health, and all aspects of life as we know it.

10. Go organic

Conventional agriculture is one of the biggest causes of soil pollution through the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, and insecticides which contaminate the soil with a range of toxic components. Modern farming also typically involves the use of heavy machinery that can damage the earth.

Finally, overgrazing is all too common: in seeking higher and higher profits, producers pack farm too many animals on each piece of grazing land. The large concentration of animals strips the plants and nutrients from the soil, causing permanent damage over the long term.

Organic farming is all about returning to more traditional and eco-friendly practices that are kinder to the soil and the environment in general, as well as being safer for human health.

Organic producers do not use any of the following:

• synthetic fertilizers and pesticides
• genetically modified organisms (GMOs) 
• artificial preservatives
• artificial flavors or coloring. 

Instead, they rely on natural fertilizers like manure and compost , natural methods to control pests , and keep weeds under control through crop rotation, mulching, tilling, and hand weeding.

Organic farmers also only feed animals only organic food, don’t give them antibiotics or hormones, and keep them in an environment that is suitable to their natural behaviors, instead of being confined in small areas. You can be confident that a product is truly organic if it carries a recognized, independent certification such as USDA , NSF , and GOTS .

Buying sustainable food is one of the best things you can do as a consumer to prevent soil pollution. Not only to you avoid products that directly contribute to ground contamination, but by supporting organic brands you’re sending a message to other producers.

If enough people shop organic, the industry will shift towards organic methods to meet consumer demand. You could even grow your own organic herbs and veggies at home with an Aerogarden or vertical farm .

Buying organic products isn’t just limited to food: there are a range of textiles, personal care products, and cosmetics that contain materials or ingredients that can damage the soil, depending on how they’re produced.

To prevent soil pollution, shop organic when it comes to:

• All foodstuffs, but notably fruits, vegetables, meat, grains, seafood, and animal products
• Cosmetics such as face masks , cleaners, and makeup
• Shampoo, body wash, bubble bath , and other personal care products
• Natural textiles like cotton , wool , bamboo, and hemp (many bamboo and hemp products are organic, but it’s good to check)
• Furniture , rugs , and home décor products made from natural materials such as cane and bamboo

Equally, if you choose to buy wooden furniture or anything else made from wood or tree products, check that it’s sustainably sourced. This ensures you’re not supporting deforestation and that the plantations the wood comes from are handled responsibly to avoid polluting the soil.

11. Dispose of solid waste properly

Solid waste is a major cause of soil pollution. When virtually any type of waste isn’t disposed of correctly, it can disperse pollutants into the environment: as it breaks down, the material may give off harmful gasses, leach toxins into the soil, or particles can wash into waterways.

Even if these contaminants aren’t directly released into the soil, they may make their way there eventually, whether carried by rivers, absorbed through the atmosphere, or traveling through groundwater.

For this reason, it’s important to responsibly dispose of all of your waste, especially potentially-hazardous materials, such as batteries, light bulbs , metal items , propane tanks , and pharmaceuticals.

At a government level, authorities can encourage practices to treat both solid waste and wastewater to avoid it leading to pollution. This includes practices such as neutralizing acidic and alkaline waste, and separating biodegradable trash to break it down in a controlled environment.

12. Slash the waste you produce

Responsibly disposing of your waste is important, but an even better solution is to reduce the amount of waste you produce in the first place. Even when you send it to landfill , regular household waste can produce a range of pollutants that can contaminate the soil and groundwater .

Recycling is a good place to start. In 2018, US households collectively produced nearly 300 million tons of solid waste , of which only 70 million tons were recycled.

Make sure you recycle everything you possibly can and prep it properly first, such as rinsing out bottles and food containers. Failing to do this can mean the entire load of recyclable items are sent to landfill – so check the rules with your local sanitation department.

Many materials are recyclable, including plenty that you probably didn’t realize you could recycle. Check out our guides to recycling things like broken glass , food containers , and aluminum foil to learn how.

Another great approach is to buy zero-waste products, from toilet paper and shampoo to deodorants and toothpaste . These items are free from plastic, from the materials they’re made from to their packaging, instead using materials that can be recycled, composted, or reused.

Additionally, try to repair items as much as possible rather than replacing them: darn that small hole in your socks, sew in a new zipper, or put a patch on your jeans. Take your electronics and home appliances to a licensed repair shop, or have a cobbler resole your shoes or repair your damaged purse.

Finally, you can reduce your waste by taking action at the beginning of the cycle. Buying fewer things will ultimately mean you produce less waste. Carefully consider whether you really need something before you purchase it and develop a capsule wardrobe of eight to 10 pieces per season – we really don’t need so much stuff in our lives!

13. Get composting

Even organic waste can produce contaminants when it decomposes in landfill. On the other hand, when you compost your food scraps and other organic waste, it breaks down with minimal impact, turning into excellent organic fertilizer perfect for nourishing your garden plants.

Organic matter can’t decompose normally in landfill because it doesn’t have enough oxygen, so it rots anaerobically, releasing large amounts of methane. In compost, it breaks down aerobically, as nature intended, releasing smaller amounts of carbon dioxide – although this is also a greenhouse gas, methane’s global warming potential (GWP) is significantly higher .

In this way, composting at home can help avoid pollutants being released from landfills and potentially contaminating the soil. You can compost even if you don’t have a big yard: learn about composting in an apartment here .

While composting is an excellent way to deal with your organic trash, it’s critical to limit the amount of waste you produce in the first place, especially when it comes to food. Wastage represents a staggering 30 to 40% of the US’ food supply .

This means acres and acres of land used to grow unneeded food, potentially polluting the soil in the process. Be careful to only buy as much food as you need, check your fridge and pantry daily and use items that are about to expire, and freeze things that you won’t eat immediately.

14. Minimize chemical use

The modern American household is full of chemicals, from cleaning products and air fresheners to motor oil and laundry detergent.

Simply using these products can pollute the environment: when you spray aerosols, fine particles dissipate into the atmosphere. Similarly, washing cleaning products, body wash, or shampoo down the drain can send a host of toxins and even microplastics into the sewage system.

These particles can eventually make their way into the soil, whether absorbed from the air, groundwater, or through waterways.

In the US, waste-water treatment only removes some chemicals from sewage: around half of all pharmaceuticals and “newly emerging contaminants” remain after treatment to be released into waterways, according to Scientific American .

Instead of using chemical-based cleaners and other household products, opt for alternatives made from natural, non-toxic ingredients. For example, take a look at these chemical-free laundry detergents .

If you can’t avoid using certain chemicals, be sure to handle them carefully and dispose of them responsibly. Never throw hazardous materials or pharmaceuticals in the trash our pour liquids down the drain, instead, contact your local sanitation department and ask how to dispose of them responsibly.

15. Spread the word

Taking a few steps yourself and changing your habits can go a long way to help prevent soil contamination. However, you can multiply your impact exponentially by educating others about the causes and impacts of this type of pollution, as well as what they can do about.

Start by learning all you can about the issue: check out websites like World Soil Information , Science Direct , and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization , or read books such as Earth Detox , The World We Need , and The Monsanto Papers . There are also some great documentaries and movies that educate and inspire, such as The 11 th Hour, Home , Michael Clayton, and Erin Brockovich.

From there, spread the word among your networks. Talk to your friends and family, share posts on social media (you can start with this one!), and teach your children eco-friendly behaviors.

You could even volunteer with local organizations that educate the community about soil pollution or related issues.

16. Lobby your representatives

Even if you aren’t in a position to implement new legislation or policies, you can use the democratic system to drive change. Get in touch with your elected representatives at all levels – local, state, and federal – and tell them how important soil pollution prevention is to you.

Pressure them to introduce laws that protect the soil environment, as well as mechanisms to ensure that everyone complies with these rules. You can also encourage them to be tougher on companies and groups who cause soil pollution, and to fund research and development that will promote better soil environments.

17. Join campaigns

If you really care about soil pollution, why not get involved? Many groups and organizations are working on protecting the soil environment and associated issues, from groundwater safety to protecting forests and other wilderness areas.

The organizations working on these issues include:

• World Wildlife Fund
• Groundwater Foundation
• The Nature Conservancy
• The Land Institute
• Asia Soil Conservation Network
• African Forest Landscape Restoration Initiative
• Kiss the Ground

There are loads of ways you can get involved in these campaigns, depending on the amount of time and energy you’re able to give. It could be something as simple as signing a petition or sharing a campaign on social media, or you may want to become a volunteer and advocate for the cause.

How to do your part to prevent soil pollution

The prevention of soil pollution is everyone’s responsibility. This is a critical issue that can have a wide range of negative impacts on people, animals, and the environment, from posing a risk to human health to threatening natural habitats and even the global food supply.

Therefore, it’s essential that we take action to remediate already contaminated areas and prevent further pollution, as individuals, companies, and responsible authorities. At a political level, essential actions include introducing legislation to prevent soil pollution and hold polluters accountable, funding research, involving local communities, and improving waste management systems, including incorporating waste-to-energy approaches.

As individuals, living more sustainable lifestyles, from better managing our waste to avoiding chemicals and buying organic products, will go a long way to prevent all kinds of further damage to the environment, including soil pollution. We can also educate others and advocate for change, whether lobbying our politicians, joining campaigns, or both!

For more pointers on how to live an eco-friendly lifestyle, check out our introduction to zero-waste or our post on solar panels to power your home with renewable energy.

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The Causes and Effects of Soil Erosion, and How to Prevent It

• restoration
• agriculture
• food security

Soil erosion is agriculture’s enemy: a major environmental threat to sustainability and productivity with knock-on effects on the climate crisis and food security.  

This is particularly true for places with the highest risk of erosion , such as watersheds in Indonesia, India, the Philippines and more. In these areas, protecting against soil erosion through sustainable land management can solve a multitude of problems.

Here’s a deeper look at the causes and solutions to soil erosion:

Why Is Soil Erosion Such a Big Problem?

Soil is a natural resource that may look robust and endless, but is in fact the fragile product of thousands of years of formation. Topsoil, which lies closest to the surface of the land, contains essential nutrients for crops. It is this layer of soil that is endangered by wind and water erosion. Soil erosion decreases soil fertility, which can negatively affect crop yields. It also sends soil-laden water downstream, which can create heavy layers of sediment that prevent streams and rivers from flowing smoothly and can eventually lead to flooding. Once soil erosion occurs, it is more likely to happen again.

This is a global problem. Soil is eroding more quickly than it is being formed, causing land to become unsuitable for agriculture – a particularly serious concern in a world where the population is expected to top 9 billion by midcentury. Smarter land management is a necessity.

How Does Soil Erosion Affect Climate Change?

Erosion degrades land, which means it can support fewer plants that can take in climate-warming carbon dioxide. Soils themselves could potentially sequester enough greenhouse gases in a year to equal about 5% of all annual human-made GHG emissions. Better land management can help keep soils intact so they can grow more carbon-sucking vegetation. This is already happening in China, where the Grain-for-Green project in the Yellow River basin conserved soil and water and reduced carbon emissions.     

On the flip side, unchecked climate change can worsen erosion. A report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) found that when cultivated without conservation practices, soil is currently eroding up to 100 times quicker than it’s forming.  The risk of erosion will become even higher in the future due to emissions-driven temperature changes, with resulting decreases in agricultural production, land value and human health.

What Are the Impacts of Soil Erosion?

We’re already seeing the risks of soil erosion play out around the world. Jakarta’s deadly floods earlier this year are a prime example. Eroded sediments from further upstream clogged Jakarta’s rivers and canals, causing them to overflow. Similar erosion-related floods have occurred in many other countries, such as Colombia , India , the Philippines and Democratic Republic of the Congo .

Soil erosion is not only an environmental issue; it also causes huge losses to the economy. One  study  estimated global economic losses from soil erosion to be around $8 billion, due to reduced soil fertility, decreased crop yields and increased water usage. In Java, Indonesia, soil erosion is responsible for a 2% loss in total agricultural GDP , taking into account the losses farmers face directly and the losses others face downstream. Another study showed that soil erosion in Sleman, a district located in Java, costs 17% of an average farmer’s net income per hectare of agricultural land.

The U.S. agricultural sector loses about $44 billion per year from erosion. This value includes lost productivity, along with sedimentation and water pollution. Lost farm income is estimated at $100 million per year. Soil erosion also costs European countries $1.38 billion in annual agricultural productivity losses and $171 million in lost GDP (about 1% of total GDP). South Asia loses $10 billion annually thanks to soil erosion.

What Solutions Exist to Prevent Soil Erosion?

1. use soil-friendly agricultural practices.

Terraced farming needs to be implemented to make hillside agriculture manageable. Terraces prevent erosion and allow more water to flow to crops. In addition, hillside farm fields need full crop cover to help keep the soil in place. This can be accomplished by intercropping, which means growing two crops together in the same field, such as planting rows of maize or soybean between rows of oil palm trees. For smallholders, agroforestry systems where a diverse set of crops, including trees, are grown together can be effective. Access to manure improves the organic matter of the soil, which inhibits erosion. Finally, alternating deep-rooted and shallow-rooted crops improves soil structure and reduces erosion at the same time.

2. Offer Incentives for Land Management

Although the science of sustainable land management has been gaining support, the socio-economic context often makes implementation difficult. Sustainable land practices need to be financially viable for farmers. Anti-erosion measures have a median cost of $500 per hectare , a considerable investment for a farmer. Governments and banks must help farmers get access to credit and support in implementing erosion prevention. This is not only a good deal for the farmer, but for the whole community. The cost of erosion prevention is far lower than the price of land restoration and rehabilitation, which one source estimated to be around $1,500–$2,000 per hectare . Another source found it could reach $15,221 per hectare.

3. Prevention AND Rehabilitation

The key to managing and reducing soil erosion is to rehabilitate already-damaged land , stop further degradation and put erosion-preventative measures at the core of land management policy. In this way, we can help prevent hunger and mitigate the climate crisis.

To learn more about WRI's work restoring eroded soils, click here .

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Soil Pollution Essay

Updated November 21, 2023

Introduction to Soil Pollution

“The earth does not belong to us; we belong to the earth.” – Chief Seattle.

The words of Chief Seattle, a Native American leader, echo through time, reminding us of our profound connection to the land we inhabit. However, in an era marked by relentless industrialization and rapid urbanization, the very soil beneath our feet, the foundation of life itself, is under siege. Soil pollution, a silent and insidious enemy, threatens the environment and future generations’ health and well-being. To put this issue in perspective, consider this alarming statistic: every year, an estimated 24 billion tons of fertile soil, equivalent to over 3 tons for every person on the planet, is lost due to pollution and degradation. This silent crisis deserves our immediate attention and concerted action. This essay will explore the causes, effects, and potential solutions to soil pollution, a challenge that demands our commitment to preserving the fragile equilibrium of our shared home – Earth.

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Causes of Soil Pollution

Soil pollution results from various human activities and natural processes that introduce harmful substances into the soil, disrupting its composition and compromising its quality. Understanding these causes is crucial in devising effective strategies to combat soil pollution. Here are some of the primary causes:

1. Industrial Activities

Industries are significant contributors to soil pollution. Chemical factories, manufacturing plants, and processing industries often release hazardous chemicals and pollutants directly into the soil or nearby water bodies. These substances include heavy metals, solvents, and toxic byproducts, which can contaminate the soil and disrupt its natural balance.

2. Agricultural Practices

While essential for feeding the growing global population, modern agricultural practices often involve using pesticides, herbicides, and chemical fertilizers. These agrochemicals seep into the soil when used excessively or improperly, leading to contamination. Moreover, monoculture, improper irrigation, and overuse of pesticides can degrade soil quality over time.

3. Improper Waste Disposal

Inadequate disposal of various types of waste, such as household, industrial, and electronic, can introduce harmful substances into the soil. Landfills, if not properly designed and managed, can leak toxic chemicals into the surrounding soil, contaminating it for years. Dumping of hazardous waste illegally exacerbates the issue.

4. Mining and Construction Activities

Mining operations and large-scale construction projects often involve excavation, which exposes underlying soil layers. Chemicals and heavy metals in the soil can be released during these activities, contaminating the surrounding land. Improper handling of mining byproducts, such as tailings, can also lead to soil pollution.

5. Deforestation and Soil Erosion

Deforestation disrupts the natural vegetation cover, leading to soil erosion. When the topsoil, rich in nutrients, is eroded away, the soil lacks fertility. Soil erosion is exacerbated by poor agricultural practices and construction activities, leaving the land barren and susceptible to pollution.

6. Accidental Spills and Leaks

Accidental spills of hazardous substances, such as oil, chemicals, or sewage, can lead to immediate soil pollution. These incidents often occur during transportation or storage of toxic materials and can have severe and lasting effects on the soil and surrounding ecosystems.

7. Atmospheric Deposition

Airborne pollutants, including heavy metals, pesticides, and industrial emissions, can settle onto the soil through precipitation (acid rain) or atmospheric dust. Over time, these pollutants accumulate in the soil, affecting its quality and fertility.

Effects of Soil Pollution

Soil pollution has profound implications beyond just the ground under our feet. It impacts ecosystems, biodiversity, human health, and the economy in various ways. Here are some of the primary effects of soil pollution:

1. Environmental Consequences

• Loss of Biodiversity: Soil pollution disrupts the delicate balance of ecosystems, leading to a decline in biodiversity. Many plants, animals, and microorganisms depend on healthy soil for survival. When the soil is contaminated, these species suffer; some may even become endangered or extinct.
• Habitat Destruction: Pollution can make certain areas uninhabitable for various organisms, reducing available habitats and contributing to habitat destruction.
• Soil Degradation: Soil pollution depletes the fertility and structure of the soil, making it less suitable for plant growth. This can result in soil degradation and desertification, turning once-arable land into barren wastelands.

2. Human Health Implications

• Contaminated Food Supply: Plants can absorb soil pollutants and enter the food chain. Humans may be exposed to dangerous elements such as heavy metals and organic pollutants when they consume crops cultivated in polluted soil, which can cause cancer, developmental defects, and organ damage.
• Direct Exposure: People can contact contaminated soil directly, especially in high pollution levels. This can result in skin disorders, respiratory issues, and other health problems.
• Water Contamination: When contaminants seep through the soil into underground aquifers, they can contaminate groundwater. This contaminated groundwater could be a source of drinking water, putting human health at risk.

3. Economic Impact

• Agricultural Decline: Soil pollution can significantly reduce agricultural productivity. Crops grown in contaminated soil yield lower quantities and lower-quality produce. This can result in economic losses for farmers and food shortages in impacted areas.
• Property Values: Contaminated soil can reduce property values, making it difficult for landowners to sell or develop their land. It can also lead to increased costs for land remediation and legal liabilities.
• Cleanup Costs: The costs associated with cleaning up polluted soil, especially at industrial and waste disposal sites, can be substantial. Taxpayers or private entities often fund these cleanup efforts.

Case Studies

The following case studies illustrate the diverse nature of soil pollution incidents and the impact they have on ecosystems, communities, and economies:

1. Love Canal, USA (1978)

• Background : Love Canal, located in Niagara Falls, New York, gained international attention when it was discovered that a residential neighborhood had been built on top of a former chemical waste disposal site.
• Cause : The Hooker Chemical Company had disposed of toxic waste in the canal, which led to soil and groundwater contamination.
• Effects : Residents had serious health problems, including birth abnormalities and cancer. The disaster spurred the United States to enact the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA).

2. Bhopal, India (1984)

• Background : The main cause of the Bhopal disaster was the release of methyl isocyanate gas from a Union Carbide pesticide plant.
• Cause : Chemicals released during the gas leak contaminated the soil in and around the plant site.
• Effects : The soil remained polluted with heavy metals and other toxic substances, affecting agricultural productivity and posing ongoing health risks for local communities.

3. Minamata, Japan (1950s-1960s)

• Background : Industrial wastewater containing mercury was discharged into Minamata Bay by the Chisso Corporation.
• Cause : The mercury in the water accumulates in the sediment, contaminating marine life and subsequently affecting the soil in the surrounding areas.
• Effects : Consumption of contaminated fish led to severe health issues, known as Minamata disease, including neurological damage and birth defects.

4. Chernobyl, Ukraine (1986)

• Background : The Chernobyl nuclear disaster released radioactive materials into the environment.
• Cause : The incident led to widespread soil contamination with radioactive isotopes, including cesium-137 and strontium-90.
• Effects : Contaminated soil in the exclusion zone limits agricultural activities and poses ongoing risks to human health.

5. Guanajuato, Mexico (2006)

• Background : Lead-acid battery recycling plants in Guanajuato released lead and other pollutants into the air and soil.
• Cause : Improper disposal and handling of lead-acid batteries led to soil contamination in residential areas.
• Effects : Elevated blood lead levels were found in children, leading to neurological and developmental issues. The incident prompted regulatory actions and cleanup efforts.

Pollutants Contaminating the Soil

Here are some common pollutants that contaminate the soil:

1. Heavy Metals

• Sources : Industrial discharges, mining activities, and improper electronic waste disposal contribute to heavy metal contamination. Common heavy metals include lead, mercury, cadmium, and arsenic.
• Effects : Heavy metals can accumulate in the soil, threatening plant and microbial life. They can also leach into groundwater, leading to potential human exposure and health risks.

2. Pesticides and Herbicides

• Sources : Agricultural practices often involve the excessive use of pesticides and herbicides, which can result in these chemicals entering the soil due to improper application.
• Effects : Pesticides and herbicides can persist in the soil, affecting non-target organisms, disrupting ecosystems, and potentially entering the food chain, posing risks to human health.

3. Industrial Chemicals

• Sources : Industrial activities release many environmental chemicals, including solvents, heavy industrial metals, and organic compounds.
• Effects : Industrial pollutants can contaminate the soil, affecting soil structure and microbial activity. Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) can bioaccumulate in organisms, posing long-term ecological and human health risks.

4. Petroleum Hydrocarbons

• Sources : Oil spills, leaking underground storage tanks, and improper disposal of petroleum products contribute to soil contamination with hydrocarbons.
• Effects : Petroleum hydrocarbons can alter soil structure and hinder microbial activity. In severe cases, they can contaminate groundwater, posing risks to ecosystems and human health.

5. Radioactive Substances

• Sources : Nuclear accidents, industrial activities involving radioactive materials, and improper disposal of radioactive waste contribute to soil contamination with radioactive substances.
• Effects : Radioactive pollutants can persist in the soil for extended periods, leading to long-term environmental and human health risks. Contaminated areas may be restricted for agricultural use.

6. Agricultural Runoff

• Sources : Excess fertilizer use and runoff from agricultural fields can introduce nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus into the soil.
• Effects : While essential for plant growth, excessive nutrients can lead to soil degradation, nutrient imbalances, and water pollution. This phenomenon is often associated with eutrophication in water bodies.

7. Plastic and Microplastics

• Sources : Improper disposal of plastic waste and the breakdown of larger plastic items contribute to soil contamination with microplastics.
• Effects : Microplastics can accumulate in the soil, affecting soil structure and potentially entering the food chain. The long-term effects of microplastic contamination are still being studied.

Solutions to Soil Pollution

Here are some effective strategies to mitigate and prevent soil pollution:

• Sustainable Agricultural Practices: Encourage the adoption of organic farming methods that minimize synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. This promotes soil health and biodiversity. Implement crop rotation and diversification strategies to maintain soil fertility, reduce reliance on chemical inputs, and prevent the buildup of pests and diseases.
• Responsible Waste Management: Promote recycling programs for household, industrial, and electronic waste to prevent the improper disposal of hazardous materials. Improve landfill design and management practices to minimize the leaching of pollutants into the soil. Encourage the use of modern landfill technologies, such as liners and leachate collection systems.
• Contaminated Site Remediation: Utilize biological processes to clean up contaminated soil through bioremediation. Microorganisms can be introduced to break down or neutralize pollutants, restoring soil quality. Use plants to absorb, accumulate, or transform contaminants in the soil through phytoremediation. Certain plant species can extract and retain contaminants, aiding soil remediation.
• Regulation and Enforcement: Implement and enforce stringent regulations on industrial discharges, waste disposal, and the use of agrochemicals. Penalties for non-compliance should act as deterrents to irresponsible practices. Implement effective land-use planning to prevent incompatible activities in areas vulnerable to soil pollution. Establish buffer zones between industrial sites and residential areas.
• Education and Awareness: Raise awareness about the impacts of soil pollution through public awareness campaigns. Inform communities about proper waste disposal, sustainable agriculture, and the importance of soil conservation. Provide training and support for farmers to adopt sustainable and environmentally friendly agricultural practices, reducing reliance on harmful chemicals.
• Sustainable Land Management: Planting trees helps prevent soil erosion, enhances soil structure, and contributes to the absorption of pollutants through afforestation and reforestation. Implement erosion control measures such as terracing, cover cropping, and contour plowing to minimize soil erosion and degradation.
• Research and Monitoring: Regularly test soil quality and pollution levels to identify potential issues early through soil testing and monitoring. Implement systems for continuous monitoring, especially in areas with a history of contamination. Invest in research to develop innovative technologies and approaches for soil remediation. Support the development of sustainable alternatives to current agricultural and industrial practices through research and innovation.

Measures Taken by Governments

Governments worldwide have recognized the urgency of addressing soil pollution and have implemented various measures to mitigate its impact. These proactive steps include:

• Environmental Legislation: Governments enact and enforce stringent environmental laws regulating industrial emissions, waste disposal, and agrochemical use to prevent soil pollution at its sources.
• Soil Monitoring Programs: Governments institute soil monitoring programs to assess pollution levels, identify contaminated areas, and implement targeted remediation efforts.
• Sustainable Agriculture Initiatives: Promoting sustainable agricultural practices, governments encourage farmers to adopt organic farming, agroecological methods, and precision farming to minimize the use of chemical inputs.
• Waste Management Regulations: Implementing comprehensive waste management regulations ensures proper disposal of hazardous waste, reducing the risk of soil contamination from landfills and illegal dumping.
• Brownfield Redevelopment Programs: Governments initiate programs to rehabilitate contaminated sites (brownfields), promoting their safe reuse after thorough remediation.
• Research and Innovation Funding: Governments support the development of new technologies for soil remediation and sustainable land management practices by investing in research and innovation.
• Public Awareness Campaigns: Governments conduct public awareness campaigns to educate citizens about the impact of soil pollution and promote responsible waste disposal and sustainable lifestyle choices.
• International Collaboration: Participating in international agreements and collaborations, governments work collectively to address cross-border soil pollution issues, sharing best practices and resources.

Soil pollution is a serious threat to the delicate balance of our environment and significantly impacts biodiversity, water quality, and climate resilience. Urgent action is necessary to recognize its pervasive effects on ecosystems and human health. We can protect the vitality of our soil through sustainable agricultural practices, responsible waste management, and strict regulations. Preserving this foundational resource is an environmental necessity and a collective responsibility for a sustainable future.

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• Soil Pollution Essay

Essay on Soil Pollution

Soil is also called Earth, ground or dirt, which is formed by the accumulation of Organic and Inorganic matter as a bedrock through several years of physical weathering. And, Soil Pollution is the imbalance in the composition of this Organic matter which naturally decomposes and Inorganic matter which may be integrated with harmful chemicals that don’t decompose easily and degrade the quality of the Soil causing Soil Pollution. In this Soil Pollution essay, we will understand the cause and effects of Soil Pollution.

Soil is a thin layer that consists of both Organic and Inorganic components. These materials cover the Earth's rocky surfaces. Also included is the organic part, which is made up of decomposed animal and plant material. While rock bits make up the inorganic portion. This section was created through the chemical and physical weathering of bedrock over a thousand years. Soils that are productive are important for agriculture in order to meet the world's food needs. As a result, the essay on Soil Pollution focuses on the reasons that cause Soil contamination as well as the negative consequences of Soil Pollution.

Short Essay on Soil Pollution

Human-made chemicals are the leading cause of Soil Pollution as it alters the natural Soil Environment. And the ingestion of chemicals is at a big-time high due to industrialization and increase in population. This Soil Pollution essay in English will emphasize on the fact that there are millions of chemicals naturally present in the Soil. But when there is an increase in the concentration of a few harmful chemicals, it becomes a threat to living beings as it leads to serious health hazards. 

The main contributors to Soil Pollution are the frequent use of chemical pesticides, fertilizers with higher concentrations of chemicals then decrease the natural fertility of the Earth, uncontrolled disposal of sewage, careless industrial waste spillage like of oils and solid matter from concrete matter used in making buildings and medical waste from hospitals and pharmaceutical labs and poor waste management.

All of the aforementioned causes lead to serious health conditions at all levels of the ecosystem. The plant growth is stunted when grown on such harmful grounds,  the humans who are exposed to food yielded from such an environment can experience short term consequences like fatigue, weakness, headache, skin conditions or long term problems like depression, nervous system damage and animals including aquatic life suffers a great deal from this damage as they live on the polluted water seeped from the polluted Soil.

All of this can be resolved when people are consciously reducing the disposal of such harmful wastes into the natural bodies and a proper waste management system is followed.

Long Essay on Soil Pollution

Soil like all other forms of Pollution in nature is a growing sense of dread due to its deadly consequences in all living beings in the Ecosystem. Man-made materials are the leading cause of Soil Pollution. When any matter is present in quantities larger than the needed amount, then that becomes a potent threat. In trying to grow at a greater pace they are harming the Environment. The biggest threat to this problem is the irresponsibility displayed while disposing of any waste as the disposal of chemicals are not naturally present in the Soil so this causes contamination and as the levels increase leads to Pollution. In this essay on Soil Pollution, let’s understand the causes, effects and possible solutions.

What Causes Soil Pollution?

Soil Pollution is characterized as chemicals, salts, poisonous compounds, and radioactive contaminants that stay in the Soil and have negative impacts on animal health and plant growth. Pollution of Soils can occur in a variety of ways. These are the following:

Industrial garbage is dumped on the Earth's surface.

A landfill seeps water.

Underground storage tanks are bursting.

Contaminated water seeps into the ground.

Seepage of solid waste.

Heavy metals, petroleum hydrocarbons, solvents, and insecticides are examples of chemicals.

Soil Pollution Causes

A Soil pollutant is a factor that causes Soil to deteriorate owing to a reduction in the texture, mineral, or quality content of the Soil. This also disrupts the biological equilibrium of Soil-dependent organisms. Furthermore, Soil Pollution has negative consequences for plant growth. Soil contamination is usually produced by man-made applications such as contaminated surface water percolation, pesticides, fuel dumping, oil dumping, and so on.

Other operations include the leaching of pollutants from landfills, the direct dumping of industrial wastes into the Soil, and so on. Solvents, petroleum hydrocarbons, lead, pesticides, and various heavy metals are among the most prevalent compounds implicated. As a result, the occurrence of the phenomenon is highly correlated with the intensities and industrialisation of chemical use.

The following are some of the most common sources of Soil Pollution:

Fertilizer usage is increasing.

Insecticides, herbicides, and pesticides are used indiscriminately.

Solid waste disposal

Deforestation

Effects of Soil Pollution

As we go about our lives, we disregard the devastating effects of Soil Pollution on the Ecosystem and inevitably our health.

When we consume the food grown on such polluted Soil the crop absorbs it and then is passed on to us and leads to fatal diseases overtime.

Soil loses its fertility and stunts the growth of the plants and when they are harvested the contaminated Soil becomes futile as it is no longer useful for further cultivation as such lands become incompetent to support life and are deserted leaving more space to dump such harmful waste this cyclical nature of cause and effect is deadly.

The food that is produced from such lands also lacks good nutrients and thus creates another generation of malnourished children which hinders their natural growth physically and mentally.

The underground Soil water when it meets the natural aquatic bodies, it does a great deal of damage to aquatic life, both plants that grow underwater and animals.

Soil Pollution's Consequences

Some radioactive pollutants from nuclear reactors, explosions, hospitals, science labs, and other sources penetrate deeply into the Soil, where they linger for a long time and pollute the Soil.

False agricultural practices involving advanced agro-technology entail the use of massive volumes of harmful fertilisers such as herbicides, weedicides, insecticides, and other chemicals, which improve Soil fertility while gradually reducing Soil physio-chemical and biological qualities. Other forms of Soil Pollution include municipal rubbish, food processing waste, mining practices, and many others.

Soil Pollution is extremely detrimental to one's health since poisonous substances enter the body through the food chain and disrupt the entire inner body system. Individuals, particularly industrialists, should adopt all effective control measures, including environmental protection regulations, in order to reduce and minimise Soil Pollution. People should encourage the recycling and reuse of solid waste, as well as the planting of as many trees as possible.

Ways to Curb Soil Pollution

The most important step in starting to solve this problem is by creating awareness and informing people about the dire consequences, and how their contribution can do good to the ecosystem and human nature. The possible solutions to these problems are-

No excess use of fertilizers, and other chemicals used. As these are useful only in required quantities and when overdone leads to the damage so one can avoid overuse of the harmful substances containing chemicals.

Encouraging afforestation i.e. the planting of trees as the more trees planted the Erosion of Soil will be less and this will help in retaining the useful chemicals in the Soil and hence increasing the fertility of the Soil as well.

Recycling and reusing of waste materials will help a great deal and lessen the harm to a greater degree.

As the saying goes Prevention is better than cure, it is better to take steps in creating a safer environment instead of regretting later. India being Agricultural Land, we can take steps to organize programs and educate the farmers and other locals to use natural manure, and make them aware of the problems caused by chemicals used.

FAQs on Soil Pollution Essay

1. How can we Control Soil Pollution?

On an individual level, we have to take it upon ourselves to reduce the amount of waste produced due to our regular activities on a daily basis. We should also plant more trees and encourage nearby ones to do the same. The effect is more impactful when individuals take accountability for their duty to give back to nature. Students can learn how to control Soil Pollution and educate their elders for the same.

2. What are the different types of Soil Pollution?

There are two types of Soil Pollution, the one caused by natural disasters like floods which also erodes the Soil, this can be in a specific region or can be widespread. The other one is man-made or called anthropogenic type which is the major cause of the problem. We cannot control the natural one but the man-made one. By taking to certain protocols and following the code of conduct, we will be able to control the Soil Pollution caused by the people. 

3. How to curb Soil Pollution?

There are three ways to curb Soil Pollution. One way is to not use excess fertilisers and chemicals on the ground. The fertilisers can cause degradation of the Soil and kill the organic microorganisms that help to promote Soil fertility. The second way is by recycling and reusing man-made products. We should ban plastic and opt for products that can be reused and recycled. Trees should be planted and deforestation should be in control. For every tree cut, there should be twice the plantation.

4. How can chemicals affect biodiversity?

The fertilisers used as chemicals in the Soil can affect crop growth. It kills the macronutrients that are essential and causes toxic effects to the crop. These when taken up by humans or animals can promote biomagnification and increase toxicity at every level in the food chain. Even when we water the crops, the water can contain toxic chemicals and affect aquatic marine life. Hence the chemicals can affect biodiversity to a broad level. 

5. Is an Essay on Soil Pollution for Students in English helpful?

Yes, the Essay on Soil Pollution for Students in English is very helpful. Firstly it helps the student to know about Soil Pollution and its prevention. Secondly, students will be able to write a well-composed essay on the topic of Soil Pollution. It is important to get environmental knowledge and write it properly in English medium. Regular practice and learning can help students to compose a good essay on diverse topics. Learn and read to get a better grip on essay writing.

• ENVIRONMENT

Why soil matters (and what we can do to save it)

Soil is failing across the world: every five seconds a soccer pitch of soil is eroded, and it’s estimated that by 2050 around 90 percent of the Earth’s soils could be degraded. What does this mean for people and planet, and what can we do to restore a healthy balance to the soil we need to survive?

A worm burrows its way through the dark earth, ingesting particles of soil and expelling nutrient-rich casts in a constant forage for food. Charles Darwin described earthworms as one of the most important creatures on Earth. Worms are critical to soil health, and without soil Planet Earth would be little more than a lifeless rock. So why is it that most of us take the earth beneath our feet for granted?

We might imagine soil as endless and indestructible: it is neither. Only about 7.5 percent of the earth’s surface provides the soil we rely on for agriculture, and it is remarkably fragile. Topsoil is used to grow 95 percent of our food, and it is disappearing ten times faster than it is being replaced: America’s corn belt has already lost much of its topsoil, threatening livelihoods and communities as well as food supply. The reality is that it takes thousands of years to create an inch of fertile topsoil, but it can be destroyed in minutes.

Healthy soil is a dynamic living ecosystem: a complex combination of minerals and organic matter containing air, water, and life. Worms are not alone in the ground, just a gram of dirt can contain as many as 50,000 species, all interacting with each other to keep their soil habitat healthy and productive. The activity of these organisms, the type of rock particles, the volume of organic matter, and the proportion of air and water all combine to create hundreds of different types of soil. These range from loose sandy soils to waterlogged peats to the beautifully balanced loam that is so well suited to agriculture. But human activity is destroying the balance and one-third of the world’s soil is already degraded.

Soil degradation, where soil loses the physical, chemical, or biological qualities that support life, is a natural process but it is being accelerated by human activity. Pollution kills microbial life in the soil; deforestation and development disturb soil structure making it vulnerable to erosion; soil compaction associated with farming and urbanization squeezes the air out of the ground and prevents it from absorbing water. Meanwhile, climate change continues to dry the ground: three-quarters of Spain is at risk of becoming desert.

But perhaps the biggest threat to soil is intensive farming. The need to feed a growing population and drive greater efficiency has sacrificed natural balance for increased yields. Monoculture farming, where one crop is grown repeatedly on the same ground, drains the soil of specific nutrients and allows pests, pathogens, and diseases to thrive. The pesticides and fertilizers used to counter these problems come with significant drawbacks. Excessive use of pesticides reduces vital biodiversity; the addition of nitrogen fertilizer speeds up the breakdown of organic matter, starving the soil’s microbial populations.

Even the plow, often considered one of history’s great inventions, can be bad news for soil. Tilling breaks up compacted ground, controls weeds, and incorporates organic matter, but we now understand how it also damages soil structure, dries out topsoil, and accelerates erosion. Similarly, the age-old practice of irrigation, when overdone, increases the volume of salt in the soil, damaging its biodiversity, water quality, and productivity. As a result of such destructive practices, in Europe alone, around 70 percent of the soil is considered unhealthy.

This matters, because without soil we cannot survive. Healthy soil is the root source of a livelihood that sustains farmers and communities all around the world: good soil produces good crops that deliver a good income that enables families to flourish. But it’s more than this. Soil filters the water we drink, grows the food we eat, and captures the carbon dioxide that causes climate change. Soil is the largest carbon sink after the ocean and holds more carbon than all terrestrial plant life on the planet. But when we damage the soil, water systems become disrupted, food production declines, and carbon is released into the atmosphere. Any one of these essential soil functions would be reason enough to preserve our soil: taken together they are a compelling argument for urgent action.

So, how can we save our soils? Many of the ways to reduce and even reverse the damage are reliant on changes to current agricultural practices. By not tilling the land and reducing our reliance on pesticides and fertilizers, soil starts to recover. Replacing our reliance on monoculture with a return to crop rotations gives soil time to replenish the nutrients needed by plants. Agroforestry could take this further, growing a variety of plants together in ways that their biological systems support each other and help soil to flourish. Similarly, promoting soil fungi helps plants extract nutrients from the soil while increasing resistance to disease and building healthy soil structure. These good practices could regenerate our soils which helps sustain livelihoods and local communities, and keep people and planet healthy: but they require big changes.

Inspiring a fundamental shift in the way we farm needs to be driven by both the consumer and the companies they buy from. Responsible companies, including Unilever, are making serious commitments to minimize the damage done to the soil, while actively working to regenerate degraded land. This includes encouraging and supporting suppliers to improve soil health through regenerative practices such as growing cover crops that protect and nourish the soil between harvests: in Iowa, a state that has lost half its topsoil in a hundred years, farmers using cover crops reported that their land weathered heavy spring winter rains better than their neighbors’ land.

Knorr, Unilever’s largest food brand, is looking to expand such practices. It has set a goal of growing 80 percent of its key ingredients following Unilever’s Regenerative Agriculture Principles by 2026. Already, Knorr has partnered with Spanish tomato growers to use cover crops to improve soil health and reduce the use and impact of synthetic fertilizers; in the US Knorr is working with its suppliers to grow rice in ways that will reduce its demand for water and cut methane emissions. These are two of the many ongoing and planned projects as Knorr expands and scales up such projects while sharing their knowledge and inspiring others to transform the way food is grown.

Soil needs all the help it can get. It is a priceless, irreplaceable resource and key to sustaining all life on earth. Soil is struggling for survival but there is still time to rebuild our soils as healthy, productive, sustainable ecosystems. As the world learns to work together to preserve our oceans, our forests, and our biodiversity, we now need to look to the ground. The humble earthworm can only do so much: it’s time for individuals, communities, companies, and countries to help save our soils.

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What Is Soil Pollution? Environmental Impacts and Mitigation

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Causes of Soil Pollution

Environmental impacts, where soil pollution occurs.

Soil pollution refers to the dangerously high concentrations of contaminants in soil. While contaminants such as metals, inorganic ions, salts, and organic compounds naturally occur in soils, these can exceed natural levels and qualify as pollution.

Soil pollution can have far-reaching consequences; it is often detrimental to plant growth, disrupting food chains and entire ecosystems. In turn, it has a direct impact on food security . Here, we'll review the causes of soil pollution, its widespread environmental impacts, and how to improve soil conditions.

As with other types of pollution, the causes of soil pollution often come back to humans.

Industrial Pollutants

Industrial pollutants are among the most common causes of soil pollution. Chemicals are released from industrial facilities in both liquid and solid form. Industrial activities emit large amounts of arsenic fluorides and sulfur dioxide, which raise soil acidity and impact vegetation. Accidental spills and leaks during storage, transport, and usage contribute to soil pollution.

Agricultural Activities

There are several sources of soil pollution in industrial agriculture. Many fertilizers, for example, contain substantial amounts of heavy metals, such as calcium, nitrate, and potassium chloride that can disrupt regular growing seasons. Sewage and other liquid waste from domestic water use, agricultural effluents from animal husbandry, and urban runoff also pollute soils.

Another cause is deforestation; the clearing of trees results in increased soil erosion, which lessens the soil’s ability to support vegetation.  

Soil has a finite capacity to cope with pollutants; when this is surpassed, contaminants will impact other parts of the environment, such as the food chain. As a result, soil pollution also affects food security as it reduces crop yields and quality.

Soil pollution contributes to air pollution as it releases volatile compounds into the atmosphere. Furthermore, air pollution created by the burning of fossil fuels can cause acid rain which produces an acidic environment in the soils . This harms micro-organisms, which improve the soil structure by breaking down organic material and helping water flow.

Chemicals within soils can also be leached into groundwater, which can then reach streams, lakes, and oceans. Also, soils with high levels of nitrogen and phosphorus can leach into waterways, causing algal blooms , which decrease the oxygen available for aquatic life. Likewise, soil erosion can lead to pollution and sedimentation in waterways.

Soil pollution can be found all over the world, but particularly in areas in Europe and North America.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, there are approximately 2.8 million potentially polluted sites in Europe, and 19% need remediation or risk-reduction measures. Actions from industrial, commercial, production, waste disposal, and treatment activities have been the main source of point-source soil pollution in Europe. Mining has been a significant contributor to soil pollution in Cyprus, Slovakia, and North Macedonia.

Although there have been improvements in waste management and legislation has become stricter, recent assessments in countries such as Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, and Turkey, indicate that soil pollution is still a significant problem.  

North America

There are thousands of polluted sites in both the U.S. and Canada. There are approximately 23,000 abandoned mines in the state of Colorado alone, which contribute to soil pollution. Additionally, coal combustion from provinces in Canada such as Alberta, Saskatchewan, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia produces coal ash. Also, lakes and rivers in Alberta and Saskatchewan are currently experiencing very high levels of acid pollution which threatens aquatic ecosystems.

To counter soil pollution on the agricultural level, the EPA has recommended that farmers adopt sustainable practices:

• Nutrient management techniques
• Drainage practices that conserve resources
• Year-round ground covering
• Field buffers
• Conservation tillage
• Access to streams for livestock.

Additionally, Congress passed the Pollution Prevention Act , which has led to the creation of programs and strategies that aims to reduce or eliminate pollution at the source.

Strategies that focus on the mining industry include improving the management of mining waste, restoring the landscape, and conserving topsoil. Urban planning and wastewater treatment are also effective in decreasing urban sources of soil pollution, such as sewage.

Ashraf, Muhammad, Maah, Mohd., Yusoff, Ismail. "Soil Contamination, Risk Assessment and Remediation". Environmental Risk Assessment of Soil Contamination, edited by Maria Hernandez-Soriano, IntechOpen, 2014. 10.5772/57287.

FAO and UNEP. 2021.  Global assessment of soil pollution: Report.  Rome. https://doi.org/10.4060/cb4894en

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Soil Erosion: Why It Happens and What We Can Do About It

The amount of soil in any given place is constantly changing. Soil builds up from decay and the breakdown of dead plants and animals, and eroding rocks. When rain falls, water runs through the soil and erodes and washes it away. This is an important element of understanding soil health: soil can erode, but it can also be built back up through actions like collecting compost, mulching leaves and grass instead of bagging them, etc. You might think the ground under your feet is solid, but it’s ever-changing.

Soil erosion, or the loss of all that important stuff, is a natural phenomenon caused by water and wind but can become more of a problem as humans inhabit and develop more of the planet. If unchecked, erosion can strip away valuable soil and negatively affect the water we consume, our ability to grow food, and the plants, animals, and land around us, all of which depend on soil. 

Fortunately, there are many ways to encourage soil development and prevent and mitigate the effects of soil erosion, and the subject is one your students will find highly engaging and applicable.

Why We Should Be Concerned About Soil Erosion

Topsoil is the uppermost layer of soil from which you see plants sprout. Topsoil is critical for 95% of humankind’s food supply and many interdependent plants and animals that rely on it. 

On much of the world’s most productive agricultural land, almost half of the rich topsoil has disappeared in the last 150 years. Human activities, such as poor farming practices like overgrazing and improper tilling contribute to soil erosion. Climate change also exacerbates soil erosion due to more intense rainfalls and droughts.

When soil erosion happens on a large scale, it can also create human-made deserts by forcing out topsoil and leaving behind sandy particles that don’t retain moisture or nutrients well. Sandy soil is more likely to wash away, get carried off in the wind, and become a desert in times of drought. 

Soils also protect waterways from potentially harmful agricultural chemicals, preventing runoff from harming fish or polluting drinking water sources. Soils that are stripped away of plant vegetation next to waterways can erode, causing sedimentation build-up that may be harmful to fish spawning beds, and can cause costly and dangerous road blockages and potential flooding.

Exercise – Geology, Science: This e-booklet from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations includes fun activities and lab experiments for middle and high school students that delves into the topics of soil and erosion. 

Also consider giving your students a deeper understanding of the soil beneath their feet with these great resources for grades K-12 from the Soil Science Society of America. 

Younger students will enjoy our hands-on Soil Stories family activity (available for download in either English or Español) by placing soil into a jar with a lid and adding two cups of water. Ask them to predict what will happen if they shake the closed jar and let it settle for a few hours. Then, try it.

Have children draw a picture of the layers formed by their soil shake, or collect and test soil samples from other areas (forest, field, yard) for comparison. Next, challenge children to complete the “Soil Composition” diagram, reminding them that the largest particles fall to the bottom first.

Soil Erosion Caused by Water

• Rill erosion. Water flows over the ground and lifts soil along with it, creating small channels, or rills, that pick up more soil before they deposit sediment in streams and reservoirs. 
• Gully erosion. Water moves with such force that smaller channels can widen into gullies and cause water to erode even deeper layers of soil. 
• Sheet erosion happens when water flows downwards and detaches an entire layer of soil. 
• Bank erosions: This type of erosion happens as water in drainage channel banks cause progressive undercutting, scouring, and slumping, as channel banks fall into the waterway and are washed away.

Water erosion also happens along streams or riverbanks when the water flows so powerfully that it picks up chunks of soil along its way. This can alter the surrounding landscape and even the course of a river.

Factors that affect the rate of water erosion:

• Rainfall intensity. When it rains, water droplets dislodge finer components of soil like sand, silt, and clay. Rainfall that comes down harder or longer is more likely to carry off larger particles of soil like sand and gravel. 
• Soil condition. Soil’s makeup determines its ability to absorb water. Generally, soil that absorbs water faster and consists of more organic matter or more advanced soil structure has the best resistance to erosion. Soil with richer nutrients is home to fungi, bacteria, rodents, insects, worms, and other organisms that help make it more erosion-resistant.
• Slopes. Surface water runoff occurs whenever there’s a slope and excess water can’t be absorbed into the soil. The steeper or longer the slope, the faster water travels and the more sediment it gathers along its way. It’s increased by soil compaction, including when it’s frozen. 
• Vegetation. Plants can intercept falling rain before it hits the soil, slow water runoff, and their roots bind the soil’s components. 

Soil Erosion Caused by Wind

Wind affects a smaller percentage of land (mainly loose, dry, and bare soil found in arid conditions) by picking up particles of soil in three ways: 

• Suspension: Tiny particles float high in the air where they can linger for days.

If wind scatters seeds or covers seeds and plants in layers of sand, crops can become ruined. When smaller particles blow away from the ground, the soil surface deflates to become lower and rockier. Soil nutrients, along with fertilizer or potentially harmful surface chemicals, can also be carried away with soil or dust and negatively impact elsewhere.

• Saltation:  Larger particles, like sand, stay close to the ground as the wind moves them in short bursts. 

When wind drops larger particles onto land, it can damage vegetation and dislodge soil and even seeds. Rocks can roll away, and a topsoil layer can become damaged by partially blowing away or become covered when the wind blows other particles on top of it.  

• Creep: Wind pushes particles larger than sand along the ground.

Wind works as an abrasive and can blow and scrape sediment like sand against rocks and other surfaces, forming interesting shapes. This can also damage young plants.

Factors that affect the rate of wind erosion:

• Wind speed and duration.  The higher the wind speed and the longer the wind blows, the more force it has to carry away soil.
• Soil condition. The drier or looser the soil, the greater its risk of blowing away.
• Vegetation. Plant roots hold soil together and foliage provides added wind protection. 

Poor Tillage Practices

Tillage erosion can actually do more erosion damage than water or wind alone because some farmers frequently remove such great amounts of soil.

As soil is continually tilled, nutrients may be exposed to the air and lost. Improper tilling can also disturb organic and plant life that strengthens the soil, leaving it more erosion-prone.

When farmers till their crops up and down slopes, this also creates easy pathways for water runoff and heightens the risk of water erosion. 

Exercise – Geology, Research, Critical Thinking:

What major landscapes were formed by wind and/or water erosion? Compile a list of a few notable examples with your class. Then, ask your students how they believe each landscape was formed.

Consider having older students look up these answers themselves or write a research paper on how the landscape of their choice was shaped by water and/or wind erosion. With younger students, look up the answers as a class.

How to Prevent Soil Erosion

Here are key ways to prevent soil erosion to share with your learners:

Revegetate Critical Areas

Land is much stronger when plants add roots, nutrients, and coverage to protect it from rainfall and wind. 

If revegetating, consider choosing trees, shrubs, grasses, or other plants that are native to your area, that develop extensive roots, and cover the ground for the longest amount of time in a year. 

Laying plant matter like mulch on a landscape can also ease the ground’s ability to absorb water and improve erosion resistance. 

Exercise – Geology, Science, Critical Thinking:

What kind of vegetation might be suitable to help control erosion in your community? What are methods that can help encourage the growth of new vegetation, especially along slopes? Have you seen any of these methods used in your community or where you’ve traveled? If you have ever seen a sign advising you to stick to a trail, what did you think at the time compared to what you think about it now?

Support Organizations That Minimize Erosion

It’s far easier to prevent soil erosion from happening rather than repair its damaging effects later.

Exercise – Civics, Science, Critical Thinking :

Are there any organizations you might support in your community, country, or nationwide that work to prevent or fix damage caused by erosion or deforestation? Do you know of any organizations working to vegetate critical areas? 

Are there any companies you could contact to ask them to take steps to lessen their contribution to soil erosion?

For inspiration, discover how  these young environmentalists  advocated for environmental improvements. One second-grader even changed the way McDonald’s sources their paper products to minimize deforestation in his state!

Support Sustainable Agriculture

Sustainable agriculture works in greater harmony with the environment. Generally, it values:

• Recycling resources as much as possible. This includes converting waste into fertilizer to increase the nutrients in the soil for crops.
• Using minimal resources beyond what nature already provides (sun, soil, water, and biodiversity).
• Raising a diversity of crops and animals on the same farm. Their interactions benefit each other.
• Practicing resilience methods like contour farming to minimize erosive damage. Contour farming involves tilling along row patterns wrapped horizontally along a hill’s contours instead of up and down.

Exercise – Agriculture, Science, Critical Thinking :

Check out this great resource from the Johns Hopkins Center for a Livable Future: Foodspan for lesson plans for high schoolers that cover important sustainable agriculture topics. Lesson 6 is a particularly great resource and that can be adapted for younger learners. Discover what it looks like when farming nourishes natural ecosystems. 

Support sustainable farming by incorporating a few simple steps as you see fit: 

• Eat local and organic.
• Contact farmers, agricultural organizations, or university agricultural programs to ask how they’re incorporating techniques like proper tillage, zero net deforestation, sustainable pasturing practices, and what they’re doing to prevent climate change, pollution, and erosion. You can simply listen to increase awareness or take it a step further and advocate that they incorporate more sustainable farming practices to minimize these issues. 
• Contact local legislators to advocate for sustainable agriculture.
• Limit your consumption of meat and animal products. 

Envision and Build Structures that Control Erosion

Continued maintenance of these structures is critical. Something so small as a crack in a concrete drain can cause water to rush through it and cause a landslide.

Some notable water containment or drainage structures include:

• Sediment basins
• Ditches (Can include rocks for better water flow)
• Silt fences. 
• Specialized ditches (Like a J ditch or drainage interceptor ditch)
• Drains (Can be optimized to prevent clogging)

Exercises –  Science, engineering :

Next time you see a parking lot, try predicting where water will drain during the next storm, or will it just pool?

What are some other notable examples of human-made methods that minimize the impact of soil erosion in communities or farming? Are there any examples in your own community? Can any of these methods be combined for more efficient erosion control? Can you think of a new method?

Let students investigate for themselves which erosion control methods are most effective  in this energizing lesson . 

Fight Climate Change Through Education and Action

Rising temperatures contribute to soil erosion in the form of increased weather events: from more frequent and intense hurricanes to less snow and more rain, too much water can increase sediment erosion. Combating climate change can also help prevent soil erosion.

Exercises – Art, language arts, music, technology, civics, etc. :

• PLT’s Carbon & Climate E-Unit  provides activities and resources to help educators introduce students to some of the complex issues involved in climate change. You can also  download a free worksheet  from the e-unit.
• Teaching About Climate Change: Water, Trees, and Wildlife  is a reference guide for activities from Project Wet, Project Learning Tree, and Project Wild that can help you explore the topic of climate change with your students.
• The National Association of Conservation Districts’ 2019 Poster Contest and Stewardship Week theme was “Life in the Soil: Dig Deeper.” Check out their webpage containing free activity worksheets for Grades K-8, coloring pages, and additional teaching resources.

Encourage your students to take action for soil health with these resources:

• Climate Kids : What Can We Do to Help?, from NASA, is designated for students in grades K-8. Games, activities, animations, and the latest news on climate change are featured in a kid-friendly format. 
• Get involved with reuse, reduce, and recycle efforts that help alleviate climate change.  Check out this blog  for more resources and relevant activities in every subject area.
• Incorporate students’ top passion with a way to advance climate justice and journal to discover how they might want to help. Could they film a video that increases awareness of how healthy soil can mitigate climate change? Are they a leader who can create a club working to create change in their school and community? What about creating recycled art projects to draw attention to some important environmental issues?

[1] Layers of Soil Graphic ( education vector created by brgfx – www.freepik.com )

[2] OMAFRA Factsheet: Soil Erosion – Cause and Effect. Order No. 12-053 (link here )

Rebecca Reynandez

12 engaging science apps for middle and high school students.

If you have access to tablets, there are many educational apps that you can integrate into lesson plans. We’ve pulled together 12 science apps for middle and high school students on the topics of climate change, conservation, weather, and more.

Environmental Education Resources

Every month we carefully select new educational apps, videos, interactive websites, books, careers information, and teacher-generated materials that support PLT lessons.

STEM: Get Outside

Use your senses to investigate nearby environments. These enrichments for a new PLT activity, Get Outside!, model the practices of a real scientist by collecting and analyzing data and applying comparison and reflection skills to interpret research findings.

High School – Focus on Forests – Activity 1, Monitoring Forest Health

Students conduct a health checkup of a local forest or wooded area, take forestry measurements, and evaluate the ecological services provided by trees and forests.

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Combatting Soil Pollution: A Permaculture Approach

Soil pollution poses a serious threat to our environment, food security, and health.

By harnessing permaculture principles, we can tackle this issue effectively.

Permaculture, with its core tenets of earth care, people care, and fair share, offers a blueprint for sustainable living and agricultural practices that can rejuvenate and preserve soil health.

Understanding Soil Pollution

Soil pollution, a hidden environmental crisis, poses a significant threat to ecosystems, food security, and human health.

The consequences of contaminated soils stretch far beyond the immediate areas of pollution, affecting biodiversity, water quality, and air purity.

Understanding the sources of soil pollution is critical in devising effective strategies to mitigate its impact.

This discussion focuses on the primary sources of soil pollution: industrial waste, agricultural chemicals, and improper waste disposal.

Additionally, it explores the transformative potential of permaculture in shifting from destructive practices to regenerative methods, thereby fostering healthier ecosystems.

Sources of Soil Pollution

Industrial waste.

Industrial activities contribute significantly to soil pollution, with waste products containing heavy metals, toxic chemicals, and other hazardous substances being released into the environment.

These pollutants can leach into the soil, contaminating crops, groundwater, and ultimately entering the human food chain.

Industries such as mining, manufacturing, and chemical processing are among the primary contributors to this form of pollution.

Agricultural Chemicals

Modern agriculture relies heavily on synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides to increase crop yields.

However, these chemicals often contain harmful substances that can degrade soil quality, kill beneficial microorganisms, and lead to the accumulation of toxins in the soil.

Over time, the excessive use of these chemicals results in soil degradation, reduced fertility, and increased vulnerability to erosion.

Improper Waste Disposal

The mismanagement of municipal and industrial waste is another significant source of soil pollution.

Landfills, illegal dumping, and the improper treatment of sewage can introduce a wide range of pollutants into the soil, including plastics, heavy metals, and organic contaminants.

These pollutants not only harm the soil’s physical and chemical properties but also pose risks to human health and wildlife.

The Role of Permaculture in Addressing Soil Pollution

Permaculture, a design system based on the harmonious integration of the landscape and people to provide food, shelter, energy, and other needs in a sustainable way, offers a powerful solution to the problem of soil pollution.

By emphasizing principles such as biodiversity, soil regeneration, waste recycling, and the minimization of inputs, permaculture practices help to restore polluted soils and prevent further contamination.

Biodiversity

Permaculture encourages the planting of a diverse range of crops, which helps to improve soil structure, reduce erosion, and increase the resilience of the ecosystem to pests and diseases.

Biodiversity in plant species fosters a healthy balance of nutrients and microorganisms in the soil, reducing the need for chemical inputs.

Soil Regeneration

Permaculture practices such as composting , mulching, and cover cropping are central to enhancing soil fertility naturally.

These methods help to rebuild soil organic matter, improve water retention, and encourage the growth of beneficial microbes, thereby detoxifying and revitalizing polluted soils.

Waste Recycling

Permaculture promotes the recycling of organic waste through composting and other regenerative practices, turning potential pollutants into valuable resources.

By minimizing waste and reusing materials, permaculture reduces the burden on landfills and prevents the introduction of new pollutants into the soil.

Minimization of Inputs

By designing agricultural systems that mimic natural ecosystems, permaculture minimizes the need for external inputs such as synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.

This approach not only reduces the potential for soil pollution but also supports the long-term sustainability of agricultural practices.

In conclusion, addressing soil pollution requires a multifaceted approach that tackles the sources of contamination while promoting practices that restore and protect soil health.

Permaculture offers a blueprint for transforming agriculture from a source of environmental degradation into a regenerative force for healing polluted landscapes.

Through the adoption of permaculture principles, we can steer away from destructive practices and towards a more sustainable and resilient future for our planet.

Sustainable Farming Practices

Sustainable farming practices, as advocated by permaculture, offer a holistic approach to agriculture that seeks harmony with nature, promoting soil health, biodiversity, and reducing the dependence on synthetic chemicals.

By integrating techniques such as crop rotation, organic farming, and the use of green manures, sustainable farming practices aim to create productive systems that mimic natural ecosystems.

This approach not only ensures the long-term viability of the land but also supports the well-being of local communities and the environment at large.

Crop Rotation

Crop rotation is a cornerstone of sustainable agriculture, breaking pest and disease cycles and reducing the need for chemical inputs.

By growing different types of crops in sequential seasons, farmers can naturally replenish soil nutrients, minimize soil erosion, and prevent the build-up of pathogens and pests that often occurs when one species is planted continuously in the same area.

This practice enhances soil structure and fertility, leading to healthier crops and a more resilient farming system.

Organic Farming

Organic farming rejects the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, relying instead on natural processes and inputs to maintain soil fertility and plant health.

This method emphasizes the use of compost, manure, and other organic matter to enrich the soil, encouraging a vibrant ecosystem of microorganisms that support plant growth and help control pests and diseases.

Organic farming practices, such as intercropping, companion planting, and biological pest control, work in concert to create a balanced and productive environment that sustains yields over time without harming the planet.

Green Manures

Green manures, including cover crops and living mulches, play a vital role in sustainable farming by protecting the soil from erosion, improving soil structure, and adding organic matter and nutrients when plowed back into the soil.

These plants are typically fast-growing and can be used between main crops or as part of a crop rotation plan.

They help to fix nitrogen in the soil, making it available for subsequent crops, and their roots penetrate and aerate the soil, further enhancing its fertility and water retention capabilities.

Benefits of Sustainable Farming Practices

Soil vitality.

Sustainable farming practices nurture soil health, leading to increased fertility and productivity.

Healthy soil is the foundation of any agricultural system, capable of supporting diverse plant life and yielding bountiful harvests year after year.

Increased Biodiversity

By mimicking natural ecosystems, sustainable farming encourages a diverse array of plant and animal species to thrive.

This biodiversity provides natural pest control, pollination services, and contributes to the resilience of the agricultural system.

Decreased Reliance on Harmful Chemicals

Through the use of organic inputs, crop rotation, and green manures, sustainable farming reduces the need for synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.

This not only benefits the environment by reducing pollution but also supports human health and well-being by limiting exposure to toxic chemicals.

In conclusion, sustainable farming practices as promoted by permaculture principles offer a viable and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional agriculture.

By fostering a symbiotic relationship with nature, these practices ensure the long-term sustainability of farming operations, support local ecosystems, and contribute to a healthier planet.

As the global community becomes increasingly aware of the environmental and health impacts of conventional farming methods, the move towards sustainable agriculture becomes not just a choice, but a necessity for the future of our food systems and the planet.

Soil Conservation Techniques

Soil conservation is an essential aspect of sustainable agriculture, focusing on protecting the soil from erosion and degradation while enhancing its fertility and productivity.

Strategies such as contour farming, terracing, and cover cropping play pivotal roles in preventing soil loss, preserving topsoil, and preventing the runoff of pollutants into waterways.

Contour Farming

Contour farming involves planting crops across the natural slope of the land rather than in straight lines up and down hills.

This technique reduces water runoff during heavy rains, minimizing soil erosion.

By following the contours of the land, water is given more time to infiltrate the soil, reducing the speed of water flow and its potential to wash away soil particles.

Terracing is an ancient practice that transforms slopes into a series of steps, allowing for the cultivation of crops on steep land.

This method effectively reduces soil erosion by decreasing runoff and capturing water for the crops.

Terraces not only help in conserving soil and water but also make previously unusable sloped land productive for agriculture.

Cover Cropping

Cover crops are planted to cover the soil rather than for the purpose of being harvested.

These crops provide a protective cover for the soil against erosion by wind and water.

They help improve soil structure, add organic matter, and fix nitrogen, enhancing soil fertility.

Cover crops such as red fescue, Dutch white clover, annual ryegrass, and common vetch are used for long-term fertility and to suppress weeds, smothering them and preventing their growth​​.

Benefits of Soil Conservation Techniques

Erosion control.

By holding the soil in place, these techniques prevent topsoil loss, maintaining soil depth and fertility necessary for high crop yields.

Water Management

They improve water infiltration and reduce surface runoff, mitigating flood risks and enhancing groundwater recharge.

These practices encourage a diverse range of plant and animal life, contributing to the overall health of the ecosystem.

Sustainable Agriculture

By preserving soil integrity, these methods ensure long-term agricultural productivity and sustainability.

Implementing soil conservation techniques is crucial for maintaining healthy ecosystems, supporting agricultural productivity, and protecting water quality.

Through these practices, farmers and landowners can create a more resilient agricultural system that can withstand and adapt to changing environmental conditions.

Composting and Organic Waste Management

Composting is a fundamental aspect of permaculture, embodying the principle of turning waste into a resource.

It offers a method to enrich soil, reduce reliance on landfills, and close the nutrient loop in our food systems.

By understanding and implementing effective composting methods, we can contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly approach to waste management and agriculture.

Composting Methods

Traditional composting.

Involves layering organic waste, such as kitchen scraps, yard waste, and manure, in a bin or pile.

Over time, microorganisms break down this material into humus-rich compost, which can then be added to gardens to improve soil health.

Vermicomposting

Utilizes worms, typically red wigglers, to process organic waste into nutrient-rich compost.

This method is particularly effective for small-scale applications, such as households or classrooms, and can operate indoors or outdoors.

Bokashi Fermentation

A method that ferments organic waste, including meat and dairy, in a sealed container using a specific set of microorganisms.

Bokashi composting is quick, odorless, and produces a nutrient-rich juice that can be diluted and used as a liquid fertilizer.

Benefits of Composting

Soil enrichment.

Compost adds essential nutrients and organic matter to the soil, improving its structure, water retention, and aeration.

This leads to healthier plants and higher yields.

Waste Reduction

Composting diverts organic waste from landfills, where it would release methane, a potent greenhouse gas.

By composting, we can significantly reduce our carbon footprint.

Water Conservation

Compost helps soil retain water, reducing the need for frequent watering.

This not only conserves water but also makes plants more resilient during dry periods.

Pest and Disease Suppression

Healthy soil from composting supports plants in resisting pests and diseases, reducing the need for chemical pesticides and herbicides.

Practical Applications

Composting can be adapted to various scales and settings, from small urban gardens to large agricultural systems.

It’s a versatile process that can be integrated into daily life, contributing to a sustainable lifestyle.

Communities can establish centralized composting facilities to manage organic waste collectively, further amplifying the environmental benefits.

Closing the Loop

The essence of composting in permaculture is to mimic nature’s cycle, where nothing is wasted.

By returning organic matter back to the soil, we close the nutrient loop, supporting the continuous flow of life.

This practice not only sustains the fertility of the land but also embodies the permaculture ethics of care for the earth and care for people.

In summary, composting and organic waste management are critical components of a sustainable future.

They embody the principles of permaculture by enriching the soil, reducing waste, conserving water, and closing the nutrient loop in our food systems.

By adopting composting practices, we can contribute to a healthier planet and a more sustainable way of living.

Policy and Community Engagement: The Synergy for Sustainable Agriculture

Real change in the landscape of sustainable agriculture is achieved when policy and grassroots movements converge.

This fusion creates a powerful platform for advocating and implementing practices that prioritize soil health, biodiversity, and ecological balance.

It is through this synergy that communities can foster environments where sustainable agriculture is not only encouraged but becomes the norm.

The Role of Policy in Sustainable Agriculture

Policies at both local and national levels play a critical role in shaping the agricultural practices of a region.

These policies can either act as barriers to or catalysts for the adoption of sustainable agricultural methods.

For instance, subsidies for organic farming, regulations limiting the use of harmful pesticides, and incentives for conserving water and soil all contribute to a policy environment that supports sustainable practices.

Subsidies and Financial Incentives

By providing financial support for farmers transitioning to organic farming or employing regenerative practices, policies can lower the economic hurdles associated with sustainable agriculture.

Regulatory Frameworks

Implementing regulations that limit the use of harmful chemicals and encourage crop rotation, cover cropping, and other soil health practices ensures that sustainable methods are not just optional but required for the well-being of the environment and public health.

Research and Development Support

Policies that fund agricultural research focused on sustainability can lead to innovations that make sustainable practices more accessible, effective, and widely adopted.

Grassroots Movements and Community Initiatives

While policies lay the groundwork for sustainable agriculture, real change is often driven at the grassroots level.

Community initiatives can play a pivotal role in promoting soil health and sustainable practices.

Through education, demonstration projects, and local advocacy, grassroots movements can influence both public opinion and policy.

Community Gardens and Farms

These initiatives serve as living laboratories for sustainable practices, providing hands-on education for community members and showcasing the benefits of soil health.

Educational Workshops and Programs

By educating community members about the importance of soil health and sustainable agricultural practices, grassroots movements can create a knowledgeable base of advocates for change.

Local Advocacy

Grassroots movements can be instrumental in advocating for local policies that support sustainable agriculture.

This can include everything from lobbying for the inclusion of urban agriculture in city planning to advocating for local schools to source food from sustainable farms.

The Intersection of Policy and Grassroots Movements

The most effective strategies for promoting sustainable agriculture involve a combination of policy support and grassroots engagement.

Policies provide the structural framework necessary for widespread adoption of sustainable practices, while grassroots movements ensure that these policies are informed by the needs and experiences of the community.

Collaborative Policy Development

Engaging community leaders and grassroots movements in the policy development process ensures that policies are both practical and reflective of community needs.

Public-Private Partnerships

Collaborations between governments, non-profits, and private entities can result in innovative projects that demonstrate the economic viability and environmental benefits of sustainable practices.

Community-Policy Feedback Loops

By creating mechanisms for ongoing feedback between policymakers and communities, policies can be continually refined to better support sustainable agriculture.

The journey towards sustainable agriculture is a collaborative endeavor that requires the alignment of policy and grassroots efforts.

By creating policies that support sustainable practices and engaging communities in the promotion of soil health, we can forge a future where sustainable agriculture is not just a niche alternative but the foundation of our food systems.

This synergy not only supports the environment but also builds resilient communities that are equipped to face the challenges of the future.

Education and Awareness: The Catalyst for Environmental Change

Education is the cornerstone of environmental sustainability, playing a crucial role in transforming public perception and behavior towards soil pollution and its remediation.

This segment highlights various programs and resources dedicated to raising awareness about soil pollution, offering solutions and empowering individuals and communities to make informed decisions that contribute to the earth’s wellbeing.

Educational Programs on Soil Pollution

School-based curriculums.

Integrating topics on soil health, pollution, and sustainable agricultural practices into school curriculums can instill a sense of responsibility and environmental stewardship from a young age.

These programs often include practical activities like school gardens, composting projects, and field trips to organic farms, which provide hands-on learning experiences about the importance of soil conservation and sustainable food systems.

Community Workshops and Seminars

Local environmental groups, agricultural cooperatives, and extension services frequently conduct workshops and seminars aimed at educating the public about the causes and effects of soil pollution.

Topics often include how to reduce the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, the importance of composting and organic waste management, and methods for soil testing and remediation.

Online Platforms and Resources

The digital age has brought about an abundance of online resources that offer extensive information on soil pollution and sustainable agriculture.

Websites, online courses, webinars, and social media campaigns provide accessible and diverse learning materials that cater to different interests and learning styles.

These platforms often feature case studies, expert interviews, and interactive tools that enhance learning and engagement.

Empowering Actions Through Awareness

The key to combating soil pollution lies in empowering individuals and communities with the knowledge to make informed decisions. Education and awareness campaigns focus on several actionable strategies:

Adopting Sustainable Practices

Encouraging the adoption of organic farming, permaculture, and other sustainable agricultural practices that enhance soil health and reduce pollution.

Supporting Policy Changes

Educating citizens about the importance of supporting policies and regulations that promote sustainable agriculture, soil conservation, and pollution control.

This includes advocating for the reduction of agrochemical use, supporting organic farming subsidies, and enforcing pollution control measures.

Community Engagement and Volunteerism

Facilitating community clean-up efforts, tree planting campaigns, and participation in local environmental conservation projects.

These activities not only contribute to soil health but also foster a sense of community and collective responsibility towards the environment.

Consumer Choices

Highlighting the impact of consumer choices on soil health and encouraging responsible consumption patterns, such as supporting local organic producers, reducing food waste, and choosing products with minimal environmental impact.

Education and awareness are pivotal in the fight against soil pollution.

By highlighting programs and resources that shed light on this critical issue, we empower individuals and communities to take action.

Through informed decisions and collective efforts, we can mitigate the effects of soil pollution and pave the way for a more sustainable and resilient future.

Engaging in these educational endeavors not only enriches our understanding but also amplifies our capacity to enact real change, safeguarding the health of our planet for generations to come.

Revolutionizing Farming with Dr. Elaine Ingham’s Soil Science Education

Dive into the forefront of sustainable farming with Dr. Elaine Ingham’s courses at the Soil Food Web School.

These comprehensive programs offer a wealth of knowledge, empowering you to significantly boost crop yields naturally, minimize chemical reliance, and reduce water usage through soil biology mastery.

Whether it’s understanding microorganisms, crafting nutrient-rich compost, or customizing farming systems, the self-paced format provides lifelong access to invaluable resources.

Join the global community striving for ecological balance and become a certified consultant, shaping the future of agriculture.

Discover the power of soil regeneration and join the movement for a sustainable tomorrow.

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Giuseppe Tallarico

Discover how Giuseppe Tallarico, an agronomist dissatisfied with office life, transformed his passion for nature into a regenerative revolution. Leaving behind a career in the corporate sector, Giuseppe followed his heart towards permaculture. His transformation from a professional in quality and environmental fields to an innovator in regenerative agriculture has been an inspiring journey. Through founding the Urban Permaculture Laboratory and teaching, Giuseppe has created a lasting impact in the community and the world of permaculture. Join Giuseppe in his courses, consultancy work, and innovative projects to explore how you too can make a difference. Discover his blog articles, evoking images, sounds, and emotions, immersing you in the world of regenerative agriculture. Unlock Sustainable Solutions with Giuseppe Tallarico - Explore Here!

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Essay on Environmental Pollution: 100 Words, 200 Words

• Updated on  
• Apr 1, 2024

One of the biggest risks to life as we know it is environmental degradation. The water we drink, the air we breathe, and the ecosystems on which we depend are all impacted by pollution. People, animals, and plants will decline if pollution levels continue to rise since they won’t be able to adapt to a significantly altered environment. Are you struggling to write an essay on environmental pollution? If the answer is yes, then this blog will help you get some ideas to write an effective essay. Keep reading further to know more!

Table of Contents

• 1 What is Environmental Pollution?
• 2 Essay on Environmental Pollution – 100 Words 
• 3 Essay on Environmental Pollution – 250 Words 
• 4 Essay on Environmental Pollution – 500 Words 

What is Environmental Pollution?

The phenomenon of undesirable changes in the surroundings that are harmful to animals and plants, and leads to environmental degradation is known as environmental pollution. These changes can occur because of the solid, liquid or gaseous pollutants. For example, DDT, plastic, and heavy materials take more time to degrade and are known as notable pollutants. For the determination of risk assessment of public health, concentration of pollutants is measured.

Essay on Environmental Pollution – 100 Words 

The presence of contaminants in the environment is referred to as pollution. Gases like Carbon Dioxide (CO2) and Carbon Monoxide (CO), among others; solid pollutants like plastic, sewage, etc.; and chemicals like fertilisers, as well as those produced as byproducts in manufacturing, transportation, etc., are a few examples of polluting substances.

The immediate result of pollution is that it makes the world’s natural resources useless or toxic to use, as well as leads to the extinction of species and ecological imbalance. To stop more harm from occurring to the earth and its inhabitants due to environmental pollution, it is imperative to take proactive precautions.

Also Read: Essay on Pollution in Hindi 

Essay on Environmental Pollution – 250 Words 

When undesired elements, or pollutants, are present in the environment, it is said to be polluted. The environment is severely harmed by pollution, which poses a direct threat to it. Although the world has begun to understand the importance of addressing pollution if the planet and its biodiversity are to be conserved there is still a long way to go.

Everything that makes up the environment, including the air, water bodies, flora, and wildlife, is impacted by pollution in one way or another. There are four main types of pollution – Air Pollution, Water Pollution, Noise Pollution and Soil or Land Pollution . Additionally, pollution contributes to global issues including acid rain, global warming, and greenhouse gas consequences. A rise in the planet’s average surface temperature is referred to as global warming, and it causes starvation, floods, and droughts.

Environmental pollution has a wide-ranging impact. In addition to the current effects of pollution, a lack of effective pollution prevention measures also imperils the future of various species. The pollution is causing harm at a far faster rate than it can be healed. Reversing the environmental harm we have caused could take generations, and even then, it won’t be simple. It will require tight discipline and commitment to stop pollution.

The best ways feasible are being used by various nations to respond to these catastrophes. More efforts are being launched to raise public awareness about the dangers of pollution and the importance of preserving our ecosystem. Greener lifestyles are gaining popularity; examples include using wind and solar energy, new climate-friendly cars, and energy-efficient lighting. 

Also Read: Environmental Conservation

Essay on Environmental Pollution – 500 Words 

Pollution is the term used to describe the entry of pollutants into the environment. Noise, water, and air pollution are only a few of the several types of pollution. There is a direct relationship between the rise of pollution levels and illnesses among people. Therefore, it is important for everyone to be knowledgeable about pollution, its impacts, and effective ways to eliminate it. Our environment needs a balanced combination of all components, just like our body requires a balanced diet. The environment is polluted by any substance that is present above that limit for example rise in the levels of nitrogen oxides and carbon dioxide in the atmosphere causes harm to human health due to poor air quality. 

All forms of pollution, whether in the air, water, soil, or noise, have a negative impact on living things. Deadly diseases that are brought on by the contamination of soil, water, air, or sound affect organisms.

Among the most common disorders brought on by air pollution are acute lower respiratory infections in children, ischemic heart disease, stroke, lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and lung cancer. Air pollution is a major contributor to a number of ailments in India, including strokes, bronchitis, heart attacks, lung diseases, cancer, and early mortality from heart disorders. The most pressing issue in the world now is global warming, which is caused by air pollution.

Around the world, poor drinking water quality is the reason behind 50% of child deaths and 80% of illnesses, including more than 50 different diseases. Water pollution causes diarrhoea, skin diseases, malnutrition, and even cancer, as well as other issues that are related to it.

 Every day, noise pollution has an effect on millions of people. The most frequent result of this is noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). Loud noises have the potential to cause stress, high blood pressure, heart disease, and sleep difficulties. Children in particular are prone to these health issues across the board in terms of age groups. Noise pollution is extremely harmful, and it’s especially deadlier for people with heart issues. 

Use of the 3Rs, or reduce, reuse, and recycle, is the first step in reducing pollution. People should use air conditioners less since they generate noxious gases, such as ozone-depleting chlorofluorocarbons, which will minimise air pollution.

Reducing the number of vehicles on the road will also help to clean up the planet’s air. The more often cars are used, the more dangerous chemicals like sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and hydrocarbons that contribute to major air pollution are released into the atmosphere.

Increasing public awareness is a further means of reducing pollution on Earth. Through programmes like the “Go Green” campaign, which urges people to plant more trees and use recyclable materials in their daily lives, awareness can be raised about the significance of eliminating pollution on Earth. The “Earth Hour” is another globally recognised event that calls for everyone to turn off all lights for one hour in order to raise awareness of the significance of reducing electricity usage in order to minimise pollution on Earth.

The government’s obligation to maintain national laws is one way to reduce pollution on Earth. Offenders should be subject to harsh penalties, such as increased fines and longer prison terms, which will force them to reconsider their influence on the environment and serve as a message to those who are not currently involved but who might be in the future.

Must Read: Essay on Pollution: Elements, Type, Format & Samples

Related Reads

Light Pollution  Radioactive Pollution  Soil Pollution  Water Pollution  Air Pollution  Thermal Pollution  Noise Pollution 

Mentioned below are some of the ways to control environmental pollution:  Walk or ride a bicycle to work instead of driving. While replacing a car go for a fuel-efficient vehicle.  When leaving the room turn off the lights and television to save energy.  Buy energy-efficient appliances. 

There are many things that cause pollution such as by-products of coal-fueled power plants, vehicle emissions, fumes from chemical production, etc.  

We hope you got some ideas to write an effective essay on environmental pollution. To read more informative articles like this one, keep following Leverage Edu . 

Prachi Gupta

Prachi has 1.5 yrs of experience in Content & Copywriting. Her skills entail SEO, researching, brainstorming marketing campaigns, suggesting content ideas, graphic designing, Keyword research, understanding user intent etc. She thrives on a work culture that helps her unlearn redundant ways of thinking. Besides this, she always has her binoculars on looking for good books and music recommendations, cocktails and world history.

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How Can You Help Prevent and Control Soil Erosion?

Soil erosion is a problem that is seen on every continent, in every country and on any type of soil and environment. Erosion is natural process but with our activities changing natural dynamics and removing vegetation cover, soil erosion has been steadily accelerating over the last decades.

For example, when forests are clear cut and land is transformed into croplands, the rate of soil loss increases by 52 percent [1] . The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimates that arable lands worldwide lose every year 75 billion tons of soil due to erosion [2] . Such a high rate of soil loss renders croplands infertile, in need of constant fertilization with synthetic substances, or even results in a complete land abandonment due to the severe degradation. Scientists estimate that, globally, 10 million hectares of arable land are abandoned every year for this reason [3] .

This not only undermines our ability to produce enough food in the future, but also destroys biodiversity and ecosystem services that were once in place but cannot be supported by the lifeless ‘dirt’ which remained behind.

Soil erosion causes other problems as well. For example, sedimentation and nutrient loading in waterways , and an increased risk of flooding and landslides as result of soil removal.

So, how can you stop erosion from happening in your yard or on your land? The following are methods that have proven to dramatically reduce and prevent soil erosion from occurring in the first place, regardless whether you are focused on preventing erosion in your yard or on a larger piece of land that is used to grow crops. These measures are effective in many situations.

Factors responsible for soil erosion

When erosion takes place, soil particles get loosen by the impact of water, ice, wind or gravitational pull and can be easily carried away by the repeated action of these forces. The vulnerability of soils to be damaged differs, but in general is affected by the combination of factors that are responsible for erosion.

These factors are linked to local [4] :

Long-term weather patterns in an area affect soil stability. Heavy spring rains, strong winds, turbulent storms, or long summer droughts that destroy vegetation and are followed by floods disturb uncovered soils and may initiate the process of erosion. 

The duration and intensity of rainfall in an area create erosive forces of water on land surface. More it rains and heavier the rain is, more surface runoff happens, triggering water erosion. Runoff causes usually the biggest problems on agricultural lands, carrying nutrients and organic matter away from croplands, making it harder to maintain soil fertility to grow crops. How heavy surface runoff can get is also determined by the slope of the land and the drainage characteristics of soils (e.g. how well does water infiltrate into the soil).      

• Soil characteristics

Some soil types are more likely to subdue to erosion than other. Soil texture depends on the size and distribution of soil particles. Many soils are a combination of sand, clay and silt, so their erodibility depends on the most prevalent particle type.

Sandy soils contain larger particles that do not stick well together and get easily detached from each other by water or wind. Clay, on the other hand, consists of fine particles that stick together closely. Clay soils are not so porous and are resistant to wind erosion, but because of their structure that doesn’t allow water to easily infiltrate, water tends to accumulate on the top, drowning vegetation and creating muddy flow that washes large pieces of soil off.

High organic matter content in soils is excellent in preventing soil damage. It absorbs rainwater nicely and has the capacity to control water saturation of soils. When it rains, soil organic matter stores just enough water to maintain moisture for plants until the next rain, while letting all excessive water pass through. Organic material is also a vital part of healthy soil structure—encouraging the formation of aggregates that bind particles together and support porosity—factors that help prevent soil degradation by erosion [5] .

Different natural or man-made features in the landscape influence where erosion takes place with greater intensity. For example, on exposed slopes that have been deforested the rate of erosion increases when compared to a flat grassy area just a couple miles away. Some slopes are naturally too steep to support vegetation and are prone to erosion at any time. They may pose a constant risk to human infrastructure nearby.

In other cases, our land use management exacerbates the problem of unstable soils. For example, maize rows oriented down the sloping field only encourage creation of rills when it rains, as water rushes downhill unobstructed. If rows were oriented along the contour, maize plants would help to slow down and disperse the running water. Thus, protect the soil better.

River banks and coastlines are extremely prone areas to erosive forces of moving water. In fact, they are being constantly eroded by the impact of water. The rate of erosion depends on the force of water and the type of soil or rock that creates the boundaries between water and land.  

Rock types and their mineral composition are closely linked with soil texture and the size of soil particles in an area. In hilly regions or along coastlines, geology of cliffs and rocks affects their erosion rate over time. Hard rocks like granite get worn down by weather much slower than soft sandstone which keeps changing relatively fast. 

• Vegetation cover

Vegetation cover, its thickness and biodiversity of plant species, is extremely important in protecting soils. Plant roots hold soil particles in place, leaves and plant bodies slow down the rain and wind impact. Plants also encourage water uptake by soils, therefore reducing runoff. Plants create a protective shield even during winter when snow lies on the ground. Their roots prevent damage to upper soil layers when snow melts and runs into the nearest streams. It is a common occurrence that erosion accelerates when natural perennial vegetation gets stripped away to make space for agriculture or development projects.

• Socio-economic development

The management of natural resources depends on the socio-economic situation and development trends in an area. In some countries, intensive agriculture may be the main cause of erosion. In other regions, it could be overgrazing, deforestation (especially illegal logging), urbanization or mining.

Land use management affects soil health and our ability of protecting soils from degradation, but the way we manage land differ greatly across the regions and throughout the world. It is possible to see positive soil conservation practices in one area and then harmful activities right across the road.   

Simple ways how you can prevent and control soil erosion

Whether it is in your backyard, on agricultural land or in a distant corner of your garden, soil erosion can turn to a serious problem if left to progress beyond control. Besides that, fixing severely eroded land and repairing the damage done by displaced soil costs significant amount of money.

You should consider that eroded lands lose their value as well. According to calculations of the Iowa State University, the value of eroded lands drops by three to seven percent for the whole land, even when erosion affects only a relatively small part. This means that you may be losing on your long-term investment if you let erosion progress, because you will not be able to sell the land for the full price.  

It is in your best interest to try to prevent the development of soil erosion and reduce existing soil loss as soon as possible. Your land, your wallet and future generations will certainly benefit from your early action.

Here are some effective measures that will help you to control soil erosion on your land.

#1 Planting permanent vegetation

One of the best ways that we can prevent erosion is to plant vegetation with deep roots that help to hold the soil in place. This is especially important in areas that are more vulnerable to erosion, such as along rivers, streams, and on hillsides. According to data from the Iowa State University, permanent vegetation cover reduces soil loss by more than 50 percent (in some cases the success rate is 100 percent) and surface runoff by 30 percent on average [7] .

The best plants for erosion control are native plants with deep roots, such as native prairie grasses like blue wildrye or purple needle grass, wildflowers, and woody perennials, like trees and shrubs. Typical lawn grasses tend to have very short roots, and therefore do not protect slopes from erosion nearly as well as native and woody perennial plants.

When deciding which plants are the best to control erosion on your property, make sure you base your selection according to the specific characteristics of your site. If the location is dry, select drought resistant species because you do not want to have to water the plants—pouring water over soil would not help in tackling erosion. For slopes, look for trees and shrubs with strong root system that do not grow very tall. If you are aiming to reduce surface runoff and water accumulation in some low-lying spots, think of grasses and trees that do well in wet conditions. They will absorb excessive soil moisture and release it into the atmosphere through their leaves, decreasing oversaturation of soils.

One great tree species for this purpose are willows. Willow trees grow fast, and their roots create a strong binding network underneath the soil. These trees like humid conditions and tolerate even soils with higher salt concentration. Furthermore, willows are known for being effective in phytoremediation of soils, removing pollutants from soils and incorporating them into their biomass. These trees can perform many great functions for creating a healthy environment if you plant them in the right location.  

Permanent vegetation doesn’t have to be planted across your whole land if you are planning on leaving some parts for gardening or crop cultivation. Planting stripes of permanent cover with native grasses or creating shrub and tree barriers helps prevent erosion as well [12] . You can create nicely diverse landscape that will yield you more produce, will mitigate erosion and will be interesting to look at. You can get inspired from sustainable agroforestry practices. For example, agroforestry farmers achieve great results when planting trees along contours.

#2 No-till farming and gardening

By using no-till farming methods and the minimum disturbance, the delicate structure of the soil can be protected and erosion is significantly reduced compared to tillage cultivation. According to FAO, the rate of erosion on soils that are not tilled is 90 percent lower than on the conventionally tilled soils.

When soils are tilled, soil aggregates are broken down and healthy soil structure is disrupted. Crop residues and any other vegetation are removed from the surface, leaving detached soil particles fully exposed to rain and wind. Disturbed soil structure results in loss of porosity, which is crucial for water infiltration. This results in increased surface runoff that only encourages further erosion. Other negative effect is the loss of nutrients and organic matter when soils are turn and the land is left barren and exposed to the elements for prolonged time period between planting.

If you choose to leave your soils undisturbed, you will protect the soil structure and preserve protective vegetation layer. You will also maximize their biological activity by allowing soil microorganisms flourish and feed on organic residues that you left in the soil. This will enhance healthy nutrient cycles and improve soil health. These are the key processes that ensure optimum capacity of soils to absorb water, minimize runoff and withstand extreme events without getting damaged.    

#3 Protecting soils with cover crops

As the name suggests, cover crops provide a protective cover for soils in between the main plantings. Their function is the same as the function of permanent vegetation. They protect soils from rain and wind, slow down runoff and encourage water infiltration.

It is recommended to plant cover crops after the harvest of the main crop. Take for example corn. Once you harvest corn, the land will most likely remain barren over the winter. This means that the soil will lack the protective layer of growing vegetation in the season when it rains or snows a lot and the land is subjected to cycles of freezing and unfreezing. This easily damages soil structure and increases the risk of soil loss. 

That is when cover crops, such as rye, barley, lentil, mustard or clover, come with numerous benefits. Studies have shown that cover crops reduce soil loss by 30 to 100 percent when compared to fields without any cover [8] . Erosion on lands with mustard cover crops reaches, for example, maximum 20 percent throughout the season [8] . However, you should know that most of the commonly used cover crops have shallower roots that do not stabilize soils on slopes as effectively as native grasses would [9] .

Cover crops not only hold soils in place when crops are not grown, they also prevent weed growth in planting beds outside the growing season and help enrich the soil with nitrogen (through the use of leguminous plants such as clovers).

#4 Mulching

If none of the options listed above suits your needs, you have another alternative that doesn’t require planting of other plants or crops on your land and allows you to create a clean look to your property. You can protect the soil by covering exposed spots around the plants with a mulching material. By putting down mulch, you are keeping bare soil from being washed and eroded away, as well as helping to retain soil moisture and eliminate weed growth around your carefully selected plants. Mulching layer stabilizes soil temperature, protecting plants and soil from the effects of fluctuating temperature in winter. 

Commonly used wood chip or wood bark mulch is often applied in landscapes and gardens, around trees or bushes. This type of mulch is popular for the nice, clean look it provides. Organic mulches, that keep decomposing faster, like shredded leaves and straw, are mainly applied to protect and nourish your garden soil of organic material in the fall and in the spring.

You can use mulch even on mild slopes. However, on steeper slopes, loose wood chips or straw mulch may be carried down by runoff too fast. In such a scenario, you may want to try erosion control blankets made from straw, where straw is bound by a synthetic plastic or natural jute netting into a blanket that is evenly laid on the ground. These blankets still perform the protective function, but do not get easily washed or blown off. The next point lists more about them.  

#5 Soil erosion control blankets and fiber rolls

If you have been wondering how to stop erosion on a steep hill, soil erosion blankets could be the best solution. They are designed to slow down surface water and prevent erosion on barren slopes after construction activities or during landscape rehabilitation. By providing a stable layer of soil protection, erosion control matting is efficient even on steeper slopes [10] .

These erosion prevention agents are made with synthetic materials, such as polypropylene, or with natural materials, such as straw, coconut fiber, wood fibers, or jute that are bound together by a natural or synthetic UV-degradable netting.

Many erosion control blankets are made from permeable, biodegradable materials that do not harm wildlife and allow for water infiltration and growth of vegetation. However, this also means that they last for a limited amount of time and their use is a temporary solution . For example, straw blankets last around three months and are often used to stabilize slope before permanent vegetation grows strong enough to substitute for their function. Jute mats last slightly longer–on average half a year.

For longer term solutions, you can find slow degrading options made of synthetic and natural fibers. These blankets should last up to three years [11] .

As a substitute for soil erosion control blankets are in some cases used other temporary erosion control measures like fiber rolls (rolls made from straw, rice wattle, coconut fibers, etc.), hay bales, logs, and silt fences . Their function is to trap sediments and slow down water from moving downhill by creating horizontal barriers across the slope. This helps reduce the amount of soil carried away and improves water retention, which in turn creates favorable conditions for emerging vegetation. Once the slope is stabilized through the establishment of permanent vegetation, these barriers are removed.

#6 Terracing with retaining walls & edging

Imagine all those beautiful terracing rice fields that are so characteristic for the rural landscapes of Asia. Terraces have been effectively used to cultivate crops in hilly areas for the last 5,000 years [12]. Farmers have been building terraces to grow crop in easily erodible terrain. Instead of farming on a slope from where nutrients and water easily disappear, they have been breaking down the slope into a series of horizontal plots for cultivation.

The purpose of retaining walls with terraces is to create a barrier that holds the soil in place and prevents water runoff that would otherwise carry sediments down the slope after every rain. Terraces are efficient in retaining water, giving it time to infiltrate into the soil. They improve water drainage on your land as well. According to your design, retaining walls may channel excessive water where it’s needed.   

Whether on a large scale, like rice fields, or on a smaller scale in your backyard, terracing allows cultivation and erosion control of many difficult slopes that would otherwise be unsuitable for any activity. With the structural support of retaining walls, terraces can create a nice decorative element on your property, giving it a new look. They can be useful for the creation of raised garden beds that are for many gardeners more comfortable to maintain.

One permaculture farmer named Sepp Holzer has had a very successful ecologically-based farm for many years in the mountainous region of Austria through the use of terraces on steep slopes.

Watch this educational video about Holzer’s farm:

On less steep slopes, extensive measure like building a retaining wall is not necessary. Subtle edging may be enough in performing the same function as retaining walls. You can select natural edging materials such as bricks or small stones to prevent erosion of soil from a garden bed or within a landscape, or you can just create a little edge with a spade and keep maintaining it whenever is needed.

#7 Riprap, stabilizing soil with stones and boulders

Riprap is a permanent placement of larger rocks on less steep slopes, banks of rivers and lakes in an area of strong runoff. The main purpose of creating a rocky surface is to cover the soil and stabilize it, while slowing down water velocity. That is why you can see this solution often employed in places where water constantly keeps eroding soil away–like along waterfronts. Large rocks have also proven useful for stabilizing storm drainage ways.

The main advantage of ripraps is their durability. Once in place, rocks perform their protective function for a long time without the need of much maintenance–if installed properly. It is only important to realize that riprap is not the best solution for steeper slopes, as rocks could get easily displaced over the time and cause bigger damage to the soil and infrastructure below. Additional risk comes when the size of rocks is not chosen accordingly. Too small rocks for the slope angle and pressure of water are also unstable in the long term.   

#8 Controlling water flow across your land

If you have a persistent problem of soil erosion in some parts of your property, you should consider adopting measures that would divert rainwater and control its flow across your land. You have a few possibilities.

You can create neatly looking dry creeks that direct water away from your land or channel runoff to your designated area from where you can reuse it (e.g. for irrigation). Dry creeks look like a small version of a rocky river bed and even imitate its function. You also have an option to plant vegetated filter strips or simply install drainage pipes to gather water and carry it away from critical areas. Some people choose to protect land around their houses by implementing so called French drains . French drains are trenches along outer house walls that contain drainage pipes covered by permeable gravel.

If you have a problem with strong water runoff flushing over your backyard but cannot control the area from where the runoff originates, like for example having a hill owned by someone else right behind your property, you could also build a berm to minimize water damage across your land. Berm is a little artificially created hill where you can plant decorative plants or native grasses and shrubs. By raising the ground, you change the natural channel of water. Water will have to pass around rather than making its way directly through the middle of your backyard.

On agricultural lands, especially in hilly regions, farmers get good results by building series of contour trenches and swales that help to catch and accumulate runoff water. This ensures that water remains longer available for crops as it is gradually taken up by soil. Trenches and swales greatly help to stop erosive processes on cultivated lands. 

As a farmer you can make the most of water passing through your property by creating a retaining pond for rainwater harvesting or imitating natural wetland habitat in place where water tends to accumulate. If you have such possibility and your land has a spot like that, this measure may help prevent erosion in surrounding areas because you will intentionally direct water flow to one place and prevent it from running across other parts. Accumulated rainwater can be used later when droughts hit the area for crop irrigation [13] .

#9 Contour farming and gardening & strip cropping

Growing crops on slopes can be particularly challenging and plowing on slopes can easily lead to soil erosion. However, there are several techniques for cultivating crops on slopes that prevent erosion. These include contour farming, where farmers plow and plant across a slope along its contour lines as opposed to planting in downhill facing lines.

By following the natural contour lines, we can prevent erosion by up to 50 percent [14] . And not only that. This practice greatly reduces the loss of nutrients from cultivated soils. In drier areas where farmers are dependent upon rainfed agriculture, contour cropping delivers higher yields because it retains rainwater more effectively [15] .

Strip cropping is a practice that boosts these positive effects of contour farming in hilly regions even more. It is especially effective on steeper slopes where improved water retention is the key to addressing soil erosion. Strip cropping is usually done by planting different crops in alternating strips, which are regularly rotated to allow soil regeneration and nutrient replenishment.

For example, farmers grow rows of leguminous cover crops like clover in between corn strips. In more extreme conditions where maintenance of soil fertility may be difficult due to the climate and steepness, crops are grown among permanent vegetation strips, like trees or hedgerows. Permanent vegetation stabilizes soil better and creates positive microclimate for crops in between.

#10 Preventing soil disturbance by livestock

Overgrazing and land disturbance caused by keeping too many animals in one area for too long period of time is one of the most common causes of soil erosion, eventually leading even to severe land degradation.

Land that is used for livestock grazing is often hilly or is located in marginal areas that are unsuitable for crop cultivation. Unsustainable livestock management on such lands leads to overgrazing and decreases the protective groundcover. When more than 60 percent of vegetation gets removed, the rate of erosion accelerates, and topsoil is more likely to be washed off with every rainfall event [16] .

Other negative effect of livestock overgrazing is soil compaction in areas where animals gather, which further disables vegetation emergence and maintenance of soil structure . When these factors add up, they significantly contribute to soil erosion by wind and rain. According to a study on the impacts of overgrazing on soil erosion in Mediterranean, erosion increases by 5 to 41 times in overgrazed areas [16] .

The key to preserving soils on grazed lands is to respect the natural capacity of the land and vegetation to support the number of animals we intend to keep on the property. Vegetation should have enough time to recover. Areas exposed to more stress, such as creeks, drinking and feeding areas, shelters, need to be managed accordingly. For example, moving feeders or waterers couple feet away while fencing off previous location and seeding a new grass mix to recover vegetation during the rest period.

The use of sustainable grazing and pasture management techniques like for example rotational grazing that allows enough time for vegetation regeneration and soil rest, reduces the risk of exhausting pastures. In fact, science-based sustainable grazing practices are even being used to restore various degraded landscapes in some parts of the world.

#11 Afforestation and sustainable management of marginal areas

When talking about soil erosion control measures, we should not neglect the areas that have already been damaged but have a potential for great improvement when managed properly. Restoration of degraded ecosystems and protection of marginal areas to ensure that we will place sufficient soil erosion prevention methods in place is crucial.

Afforestation is one of the most effective long-term solutions. Planting trees goes a long way in preserving soil and ecosystem health. Besides stabilizing soils with their root network, trees are especially helpful in mitigating erosion caused by water runoff. This is thanks to their ability to control water regime in an area.

Tree foliage slows down rain drops before they even reach the ground. Through their canopy, trees also reduce the amount of rainwater that reaches the ground. When it rains, tree canopy captures approximately 30 percent of rainwater and another 30 percent are soon after the rain drawn from the soil by tree roots [17] .

But that’s not all. Trees go even further in protecting soils. You may have noticed this yourself. Forest floor usually contains a rich layer of decaying leaves and needles. This layer is a natural mulch with a great capacity of absorbing water. According to scientists, water holding capacity of tree litter is up to five times its weight [18] . This means that afforestation can be a great and cheap solution that can help with oversaturation and drainage problems on some lands—especially lands that are prone to flooding.

Trees can perform truly impressive functions when it comes to creating a stable environment that promotes healthy soils and balanced water cycle. We should remember that they are our best allies in tackling soil erosion in many places around the world.   

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About greentumble.

Greentumble was founded in the summer of 2015 by us, Sara and Ovi . We are a couple of environmentalists who seek inspiration for life in simple values based on our love for nature. Our goal is to inspire people to change their attitudes and behaviors toward a more sustainable life. Read more about us .

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How to reduce human-caused environmental changes

The diversity on Earth aids the health and quality of human life. It provides the food we eat, the clothes we wear, and the air we breathe. But what do we do to serve the Earth? Human impact makes the environment less able to sustain life due to “human-induced rapid environmental changes.” There is no way to escape the effect we have, but there are ways to lessen it in order to protect the beauty of Earth and the many species that inhabit it.

Biology professor Blaine Griffen shares solutions to the five main drivers of human-induced rapid environmental changes:

1. Overexploitation of resources

Let’s take it back to the basics and reduce, reuse, and recycle. Recycling is the most familiar of the three solutions, but we should turn our focus to the other two to achieve the greatest positive impact. Learn how to reuse everyday items. DIY culture has promoted the ability to repurpose almost anything. Utilize the internet to find out what you can do. Reducing is effective economically and environmentally. One way we can reduce is by being extra cautious about the overexploitation of water. Don’t keep your water running and cut down on lawn sprinkler systems.

2. Habitat destruction

We are part of the ecosystem that we live in, so we must support it. The humans vs. nature predicament has never been a productive one and leads to a destructive mindset. Changing this mindset can lead you to be more mindful and respectful of hiking trails, your camping footprint, and nature in general. We are meant to enjoy the beauty of nature, but we should not feel entitled to abuse it.

3. Invasive species

Invasive species prove their destructive nature by causing extinctions, competing with other species, and reducing diversity in the ecosystems they invade, but they also cost the US economy approximately 120 billion dollars per year. Three easy combative measures we can take against invasive species include, never releasing pets into the environment, cleaning boats after removing them from the water, and planting native species in your yard.

4. Pollution

Whether it is trash, chemicals, or light, the whole Earth suffers from pollution, and, luckily, we can alleviate the problem through simple efforts.

Some solutions include:

• Avoiding excess use of pesticides and fertilizer. Following instructions helps to avoid infecting ground water and causing pollution. 
• Picking up litter so it isn’t ingested by animals or infecting waterways.
• Minimizing the use of outside lights. 
• Learning to enjoy nature quietly.  

5. Climate change

Broad scale problems like climate change aren’t easily solved, but simple efforts make a difference. Consider your modes of transportation, electricity use, and the benefits of buying locally. Making choices that consider the climate change problem are healthy for the planet and you.

We need to abandon the feeling of hopelessness we may feel in regards to environmental problems. We must work together to have the power to make change, otherwise nothing will get better.

How can we stop this?

Pollution is everywhere — from the highest reaches of our atmosphere to the darkest depths of our oceans. And it’s killing us. But together, we can stop it.  

Together, we can #BeatPollution

How many people are dying from unhealthy environments.

The World Health Organization says 12.6 million people died due to environmental causes in 2012

Pollution has enormous human costs. Particulate matter in the air we breathe, organic pollutants and heavy metals in our food supply and drinking water — all of these pollutants cut short millions of lives every year. Those 12.6 million people represent almost a quarter of all deaths worldwide that year. The same report also found that two thirds of those killed by an unhealthy environment died of noncommunicable diseases like strokes, heart conditions, cancers, and chronic respiratory disease, mostly attributable to air pollution. The impact falls disproportionately on children and the poor, especially in less developed countries. Here's the percentage of all deaths that unhealthy environments cause in each country.

In low-income countries in Africa , diseases attributable to the environment are mostly caused by infections, parasitic illnesses, and nutritional deficiencies.

In low- and middle-income countries in South-East Asia , they are increasingly due to outdoor air pollution and the declining access to drinking water.

Even though lower-income countries bear the largest share of environmental diseases, they're rising in other regions, like Latin America ...

… and some parts of Eastern Europe .

Data from WHO’s Global Health Observatory

Why are the impacts so disproportionate? Look at fossil fuels, an important source of pollution that constitutes about half of all trade volume worldwide. The most significant environmental burden of exploiting those resources is in the countries that extract them. That means that the human cost associated with that pollution remains out of sight of those whose consumption habits drove the extraction in the first place.

Why is our environment so unhealthy?

It’s our own doing

Our industries, transport systems and power facilities churn out black carbon, methane, and other pollutants that penetrate deep into our lungs. We dump our wastewater untreated into lakes and rivers, killing wildlife and contaminating our own drinking supplies. We practice unsustainable farming, fundamentally altering entire ecosystems. And we dump millions of tons of plastic into our oceans every year, threatening wildlife and fragile marine habitats. While some pollutants affect only one of those spaces, others — like waste — can impact air, soil and freshwater, as well as our oceans and coasts. Between 1970 and 2000, the amount of waste generated per person every year almost doubled. This rate will continue to grow unless we take steps to stop creating waste — and that's the key. We need to reduce the amount of trash we generate in the first place, while also finding new ways to reuse it, recycle it — or dispose of it safely. Here's how many kilograms of waste (municipal solid waste) a person produces every year, by country.

Source: What a Waste, A Global Review of Solid Waste Management , World Bank; GNI data from the World Bank

Dumpsites are sources of complex pollution mixtures: methane emissions, electronic and other hazardous waste, and heavy metals all mixed together. The 50 biggest active dumpsites in the world directly affect about 64 million people. Waste is especially of concern to small island states. These countries — many of which are tourist destinations and ports of call for international shipping — often have limited space to store their trash, and limited capacity to manage pollution. These countries are also highly vulnerable to climate change and other weather-related stresses. In such a scenario, a single storm can lead to flooding that quickly spreads waste, endangering human and environmental health.

Do we know how much damage we’re doing?

We can use certain indicators to measure our impact. This information can help us prioritize our efforts.

We can use specific measurements — from levels of pollutants to access to sanitation, to consumption or environmental policies already in place — to assess the impact of pollution and reveal the trends and geographic differences that can guide our plans to combat it. In the table below, we've used four metrics: exposure levels to fine particles as an indicator for the state of air pollution; availability of renewable water ; fertilizer consumption as a measure of our impact on soil and land; and lastly, the rate of reporting of chemicals and waste , as mandated by international conventions, to gauge how often countries meet their obligations on the matter.

Source: Towards a Pollution-Free Planet , UN Environment

Let’s take one of those proxies, the exposure to fine particles — since air quality is still a problem in most regions, and it’s the most severe of our environmental health concerns. Fine particles are the most concerning of air pollutants, and are mostly the product of burning fossil fuels, but also waste disposal, and wildfires and the burning of peatlands. The levels of fine particles (PM 2.5 ) , unlike coarse dust particles (PM 10 ) have remained resistant to the efforts to tackle the problem. And the changing weather patterns caused by climate change are exposing people to them for longer periods of time.

Data from the World Bank

So, what are we doing about it?

Many policies are helping, but more need to come.

 Of course, pollution isn’t a new phenomenon - nor is action to counter it. A number of international conventions and national laws are already tackling the problem, and some of them - including efforts to repair the ozone layer and the phasing out of a number of toxic chemicals and pesticides - have been very successful. The Convention on Biological Diversity’s Aichi Biodiversity Targets call for a decrease in pollution and demand specific actions on excess nutrients. The Paris Climate Agreement is a major step forward in tackling both climate change and air pollution. We need to adapt these models, and scale up what works. We also need to dramatically step up our ambitions.   Although no international agreement explicitly recognizes the right to a healthy environment, many countries around the world have chosen to do so. As of 2015, over 100 countries guaranteed their citizens a right to a healthy environment, with the majority building this into their national constitutions.  

Source: Towards a Pollution-Free Planet , UN environment assembly

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Pollution from pesticides and heavy metals came out ahead of climate change and invasive species as having the biggest impact on life in soils. © kryzhov/ Shutterstock.

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Pollution revealed as the greatest threat to healthy soils

Food security and biodiversity are threatened by the chemicals contaminating our soils.

Earthworms, insects and mites are all at risk from soil pollution, and scientists are worried that we know very little about the damage it’s causing.

Toxic metals and the overuse of pesticides are threatening subterranean life around the world.

New research published in the journal iScience found that soil pollution was the leading cause of declines among organisms living underground. The finding has surprised scientists, who expected farming intensification and climate change to have much greater impacts.

Dr Victoria Burton , a co-author of the new research based at the Natural History Museum, says that the findings are “concerning”.

“Above ground, land use, climate change and invasive species have the greatest impact on biodiversity, so we assumed that this would be similar below ground,” Victoria says. “Our results show, however, that this isn’t the case.”

“Instead, we found that pesticide and heavy metal pollution caused the most damage to soil biodiversity. This is worrying, as there hasn’t been a lot of research into the impacts of soil pollution, so its effects might be more widespread than we know.”

“Amid concern over soil degradation, we need to investigate what impacts other sources of pollution, such as microplastics , hydrocarbons and persistent chemicals, are having on the life beneath our feet.”

Soil organisms can live anywhere from the surface to much deeper below the soil, from millipeds like  Polydesmus  to insects and microbes. © The Trustees of the Natural History Museum, London and Harry Taylor

The secret life of soils

Compared to life above ground, what’s living in soils is relatively unknown. This is because, in addition to the difficulty in finding the organisms that live down there, soil is actually made up of multiple habitats all sitting on top of each other.

“Soil isn’t just a homogenous lump of dirt,” Victoria says. “It’s a complex environment containing many different structures, nutrients and minerals. While the majority of life is found within 10 centimetres of the surface, some organisms can live much deeper .”

“But with so few specialists who can identify subterranean organisms, we know much less about life below than above ground.”

This means that when it comes to finding out how soil communities are faring, there are a lot of open questions. While it’s known that habitat destruction and persecution are some of the biggest impacts for above ground biodiversity , only a few studies have tried to tackle their subterranean equivalents.

To try and account for this in their new research, the team performed what is known as a meta-analysis. This is where scientists take data from many existing studies and re-analyse them to answer new questions that the original research didn’t focus on.

For this meta-analysis, Victoria and the rest of her team reused the data of more than 600 studies, including thousands of different datapoints, to see what the greatest impacts humans were having on the health of soils globally.

Organic fertilisers and mulch provide benefits to worms, who feed on the nutrients they contain. © kckate16/ Shutterstock.

Digging into soil research

Based on their results, wildlife above and below ground generally respond very differently to the same issues.

While the loss of a forest above ground might be devastating to the plants and animals that live there, the researchers’ predictions that subterranean organisms would also be affected weren’t proven. Instead, it seemed that the soil provided a buffer, helping its organisms to be more resilient to certain changes.

“Soils can store moisture and nutrients, which can help life living underground to withstand changes, at least in the short term,” Victoria explains. “For instance, while climate change is affecting more and more species on the surface, its underground impacts appear to be limited for now.”

“However, the effect of these impacts in the long-term is less well-known , meaning this buffering effect may only provide temporary relief for soil communities.”

While the majority of the changes, like rising temperatures or chemical pollution, were negative for soil biodiversity, there were a few positives. The most important was the use of organic fertilisers and mulch, which introduces more carbon into the soil. This is especially beneficial for earthworms, which feed on the nutrients and cycle them in the soil.

Though this study has provided a deeper insight into the changes affecting soils, it’s still barely scratched the surface. The team hope that future research will focus on how the interactions between factors like climate change and pollution, might enhance or limit their joint impacts

They also hope to get more people looking into soils. Victoria is keen to inspire the next generation of researchers while working with students as part of the National Education Nature Park , which is being led by the Natural History Museum.

“I’m excited to include soil biodiversity work within the National Education Nature Park,” Victoria says. “It’s a good opportunity to get young people excited about the life under their feet, and to get them interested in the life cycles of animals like craneflies and beetles which they might not know about.”

“It’s not just an opportunity to inspire them, but to do some important science that is currently being overlooked.”

• Sustainability
• Climate change
• Museum research
• Biodiversity
• Read the paper in full  published in iScience .
• Find out what Victoria is working on . 

Protecting our planet

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Conserving Earth

Earth’s natural resources include air, water, soil, minerals, plants, and animals. Conservation is the practice of caring for these resources so all living things can benefit from them now and in the future.

Biology, Ecology, Earth Science, Geography, Geology, Conservation

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Earth ’s natural resources include air , water , soil , minerals , fuels , plants, and animals. Conservation is the practice of caring for these resources so all living things can benefit from them now and in the future. All the things we need to survive , such as food , water, air, and shelter , come from natural resources. Some of these resources, like small plants, can be replaced quickly after they are used. Others, like large trees, take a long time to replace. These are renewable resources . Other resources, such as fossil fuels , cannot be replaced at all. Once they are used up, they are gone f orever . These are nonrenewable resources . People often waste natural resources. Animals are overhunted . Forests are cleared, exposing land to wind and water damage. Fertile soil is exhausted and lost to erosion because of poor farming practices. Fuel supplies are depleted . Water and air are polluted . If resources are carelessly managed, many will be used up. If used wisely and efficiently , however, renewable resources will last much longer. Through conservation, people can reduce waste and manage natural resources wisely. The population of human beings has grown enormously in the past two centuries. Billions of people use up resources quickly as they eat food, build houses, produce goods, and burn fuel for transportation and electricity . The continuation of life as we know it depends on the careful use of natural resources. The need to conserve resources often conflicts with other needs. For some people, a wooded area may be a good place to put a farm. A timber company may want to harvest the area’s trees for construction materials. A business may want to build a factory or shopping mall on the land. All these needs are valid, but sometimes the plants and animals that live in the area are forgotten. The benefits of development need to be weighed against the harm to animals that may be forced to find new habitats , the depletion of resources we may want in the future (such as water or timber), or damage to resources we use today. Development and conservation can coexist in harmony. When we use the environment in ways that ensure we have resources for the future, it is called sustainable development . There are many different resources we need to conserve in order to live sustainably. Forests A forest is a large area covered with trees grouped so their foliage shades the ground. Every continent except Antarctica has forests, from the evergreen -filled boreal forests of the north to mangrove forests in tropical wetlands . Forests are home to more than two-thirds of all known land species . Tropical rainforests are especially rich in biodiversity . Forests provide habitats for animals and plants. They store carbon , helping reduce global warming . They protect soil by reducing runoff . They add nutrients to the soil through leaf litter . They provide people with lumber and firewood. Deforestation is the process of clearing away forests by cutting them down or burning them. People clear forests to use the wood, or to make way for farming or development. Each year, Earth loses about 14.6 million hectares (36 million acres) of forest to deforestation—an area about the size of the U.S. state of New York. Deforestation destroys wildlife habitats and increases soil erosion. It also releases greenhouse gases into the atmosphere , contributing to global warming. Deforestation accounts for 15 percent of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions. Deforestation also harms the people who rely on forests for their survival, hunting and gathering, harvesting forest products, or using the timber for firewood. About half of all the forests on Earth are in the tropics —an area that circles the globe near the Equator . Although tropical forests cover fewer than 6 percent of the world’s land area, they are home to about 80 percent of the world’s documented species. For example, more than 500 different species of trees live in the forests on the small U.S. island of Puerto Rico in the Caribbean Sea. Tropical forests give us many valuable products, including woods like mahogany and teak , rubber , fruits, nuts, and flowers. Many of the medicines we use today come from plants found only in tropical rainforests. These include quinine , a malaria drug; curare , an anesthetic used in surgery; and rosy periwinkle , which is used to treat certain types of cancer . Sustainable forestry practices are critical for ensuring we have these resources well into the future. One of these practices is leaving some trees to die and decay naturally in the forest. This “ deadwood ” builds up soil. Other sustainable forestry methods include using low-impact logging practices, harvesting with natural regeneration in mind, and avoiding certain logging techniques , such as removing all the high-value trees or all the largest trees from a forest. Trees can also be conserved if consumers recycle . People in China and Mexico, for example, reuse much of their wastepaper, including writing paper, wrapping paper, and cardboard. If half the world’s paper were recycled, much of the worldwide demand for new paper would be fulfilled, saving many of Earth’s trees. We can also replace some wood products with alternatives like bamboo , which is actually a type of grass. Soil Soil is vital to food production. We need high-quality soil to grow the crops that we eat and feed to livestock . Soil is also important to plants that grow in the wild. Many other types of conservation efforts, such as plant conservation and animal conservation, depend on soil conservation. Poor farming methods, such as repeatedly planting the same crop in the same place, called monoculture , deplete nutrients in the soil. Soil erosion by water and wind increases when farmers plow up and down hills. One soil conservation method is called contour strip cropping . Several crops, such as corn, wheat, and clover , are planted in alternating strips across a slope or across the path of the prevailing wind . Different crops, with different root systems and leaves, help slow erosion.

Harvesting all the trees from a large area, a practice called clearcutting , increases the chances of losing productive topsoil to wind and water erosion. Selective harvesting —the practice of removing individual trees or small groups of trees—leaves other trees standing to anchor the soil. Biodiversity Biodiversity is the variety of living things that populate Earth. The products and benefits we get from nature rely on biodiversity. We need a rich mixture of living things to provide foods, building materials, and medicines, as well as to maintain a clean and healthy landscape . When a species becomes extinct , it is lost to the world forever. Scientists estimate that the current rate of extinction is 1,000 times the natural rate. Through hunting, pollution , habitat destruction, and contribution to global warming, people are speeding up the loss of biodiversity at an alarming rate. It’s hard to know how many species are going extinct because the total number of species is unknown. Scientists discover thousands of new species every year. For example, after looking at just 19 trees in Panama, scientists found 1,200 different species of beetles—80 percent of them unknown to science at the time. Based on various estimates of the number of species on Earth, we could be losing anywhere from 200 to 100,000 species each year. We need to protect biodiversity to ensure we have plentiful and varied food sources. This is true even if we don’t eat a species threatened with extinction because something we do eat may depend on that species for survival. Some predators are useful for keeping the populations of other animals at manageable levels. The extinction of a major predator might mean there are more herbivores looking for food in people’s gardens and farms. Biodiversity is important for more than just food. For instance, we use between 50,000 to 70,000 plant species for medicines worldwide. The Great Barrier Reef , a coral reef off the coast of northeastern Australia, contributes about $6 billion to the nation’s economy through commercial fishing , tourism , and other recreational activities. If the coral reef dies, many of the fish, shellfish , marine mammals , and plants will die, too. Some governments have established parks and preserves to protect wildlife and their habitats. They are also working to abolish hunting and fishing practices that may cause the extinction of some species. Fossil Fuels Fossil fuels are fuels produced from the remains of ancient plants and animals. They include coal , petroleum (oil), and natural gas . People rely on fossil fuels to power vehicles like cars and airplanes, to produce electricity, and to cook and provide heat. In addition, many of the products we use today are made from petroleum. These include plastics , synthetic rubber, fabrics like nylon , medicines, cosmetics , waxes, cleaning products, medical devices, and even bubblegum.

Fossil fuels formed over millions of years. Once we use them up, we cannot replace them. Fossil fuels are a nonrenewable resource. We need to conserve fossil fuels so we don’t run out. However, there are other good reasons to limit our fossil fuel use. These fuels pollute the air when they are burned. Burning fossil fuels also releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, contributing to global warming. Global warming is changing ecosystems . The oceans are becoming warmer and more acidic , which threatens sea life. Sea levels are rising, posing risks to coastal communities. Many areas are experiencing more droughts , while others suffer from flooding . Scientists are exploring alternatives to fossil fuels. They are trying to produce renewable biofuels to power cars and trucks. They are looking to produce electricity using the sun, wind, water, and geothermal energy — Earth’s natural heat. Everyone can help conserve fossil fuels by using them carefully. Turn off lights and other electronics when you are not using them. Purchase energy-efficient appliances and weatherproof your home. Walk, ride a bike, carpool , and use public transportation whenever possible. Minerals Earth’s supply of raw mineral resources is in danger. Many mineral deposits that have been located and mapped have been depleted. As the ores for minerals like aluminum and iron become harder to find and extract , their prices skyrocket . This makes tools and machinery more expensive to purchase and operate. Many mining methods, such as mountaintop removal mining (MTR) , devastate the environment. They destroy soil, plants, and animal habitats. Many mining methods also pollute water and air, as toxic chemicals leak into the surrounding ecosystem. Conservation efforts in areas like Chile and the Appalachian Mountains in the eastern United States often promote more sustainable mining methods. Less wasteful mining methods and the recycling of materials will help conserve mineral resources. In Japan, for example, car manufacturers recycle many raw materials used in making automobiles. In the United States, nearly one-third of the iron produced comes from recycled automobiles. Electronic devices present a big problem for conservation because technology changes so quickly. For example, consumers typically replace their cell phones every 18 months. Computers, televisions, and mp3 players are other products contributing to “ e-waste .” The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that Americans generated more than three million tons of e-waste in 2007. Electronic products contain minerals as well as petroleum-based plastics. Many of them also contain hazardous materials that can leach out of landfills into the soil and water supply. Many governments are passing laws requiring manufacturers to recycle used electronics. Recycling not only keeps materials out of landfills, but it also reduces the energy used to produce new products. For instance, recycling aluminum saves 90 percent of the energy that would be required to mine new aluminum.

Water Water is a renewable resource. We will not run out of water the way we might run out of fossil fuels. The amount of water on Earth always remains the same. However, most of the planet’s water is unavailable for human use. While more than 70 percent of Earth’s surface is covered by water, only 2.5 percent of it is freshwater . Out of that freshwater, almost 70 percent is permanently frozen in the ice caps covering Antarctica and Greenland. Only about 1 percent of the freshwater on Earth is available for people to use for drinking, bathing, and irrigating crops. People in many regions of the world suffer water shortages . These are caused by depletion of underground water sources known as aquifers , a lack of rainfall due to drought, or pollution of water supplies. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 2.6 billion people lack adequate water sanitation . More than five million people die each year from diseases caused by using polluted water for drinking, cooking, or washing. About one-third of Earth’s population lives in areas that are experiencing water stress . Most of these areas are in developing countries. Polluted water hurts the environment as well as people. For instance, agricultural runoff—the water that runs off of farmland—can contain fertilizers and pesticides . When this water gets into streams , rivers , and oceans, it can harm the organisms that live in or drink from those water sources. People can conserve and protect water supplies in many ways. Individuals can limit water use by fixing leaky faucets, taking shorter showers, planting drought-resistant plants, and buying low-water-use appliances. Governments, businesses, and nonprofit organizations can help developing countries build sanitation facilities. Farmers can change some of their practices to reduce polluted runoff. This includes limiting overgrazing , avoiding over-irrigation, and using alternatives to chemical pesticides whenever possible. Conservation Groups Businesses, international organizations , and some governments are involved in conservation efforts. The United Nations (UN) encourages the creation of national parks around the world. The UN also established World Water Day, an event to raise awareness and promote water conservation. Governments enact laws defining how land should be used and which areas should be set aside as parks and wildlife preserves. Governments also enforce laws designed to protect the environment from pollution, such as requiring factories to install pollution-control devices. Finally, governments often provide incentives for conserving resources, using clean technologies, and recycling used goods. Many international organizations are dedicated to conservation. Members support causes such as saving rain forests, protecting threatened animals, and cleaning up the air. The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is an alliance of governments and private groups founded in 1948. The IUCN works to protect wildlife and habitats. In 1980, the group proposed a world conservation strategy . Many governments have used the IUCN model to develop their own conservation plans. In addition, the IUCN monitors the status of endangered wildlife, threatened national parks and preserves, and other environments around the world. Zoos and botanical gardens also work to protect wildlife. Many zoos raise and breed endangered animals to increase their populations. They conduct research and help educate the public about endangered species . For instance, the San Diego Zoo in the U.S. state of California runs a variety of research programs on topics ranging from disease control in amphibians to heart-healthy diets for gorillas. Scientists at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, in London, England, work to protect plant life around the world. Kew’s Millennium Seed Bank , for example, works with partners in 54 countries to protect biodiversity through seed collection. Kew researchers are also exploring how DNA technology can help restore damaged habitats. Individuals can do many things to help conserve resources. Turning off lights, repairing leaky faucets, and recycling paper, aluminum cans, glass, and plastic are just a few examples. Riding bikes, walking, carpooling, and using public transportation all help conserve fuel and reduce the amount of pollutants released into the environment. Individuals can plant trees to create homes for birds and squirrels. At grocery stores, people can bring their own reusable bags. And people can carry reusable water bottles and coffee mugs rather than using disposable containers. If each of us would conserve in small ways, the result would be a major conservation effort.

Tree Huggers The Chipko Movement, which is dedicated to saving trees, was started by villagers in Uttar Pradesh, India. Chipko means hold fast or embrace. The villagers flung their arms around trees to keep loggers from cutting them down. The villagers won, and Uttar Pradesh banned the felling of trees in the Himalayan foothills. The movement has since expanded to other parts of India.

Thirsty Food People require about 2 to 4 liters of drinking water each day. However, a day's worth of food requires 2,000 to 5,000 liters of water to produce. It takes more water to produce meat than to produce plant-based foods.

Tiger, Tiger Tigers are dangerous animals, but they have more to fear from us than we have to fear from them. Today there are only about 3,200 tigers living in the wild. Three tiger subspecies the Bali, Caspian, and Javan tigers have gone extinct in the past century. Many organizations are working hard to protect the remaining tigers from illegal hunting and habitat loss.

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Related Resources

13 ways to save the Earth from pollution

You might use plastic water bottles, yogurt cups, and straws for just a day, but they can remain in the environment for years. And that pollution can harm habitats and the animals that live there. Cut down Earth’s trash with these tips. 

Bust the balloons

Balloons eventually fall back down to Earth … and can end up in the ocean, entangling animals or being mistaken for food. Skip the balloons at your next party, and ask friends to do the same. Make pom-pom decorations instead!

Bin for the win

Always throw trash in the can. Garbage left outside might harm wildlife and end up in the ocean. Trash that’s properly brought to a landfill is kept out of the sea.

Fish responsibly

If you go fishing, don’t leave nets or lines in the water. Animals can become entangled in the trash.

Scientists estimate that about half the world’s sea turtles accidentally eat plastic and other trash. Keep the ocean clean by never leaving toys or trash at the beach.

Dump plastic

According to one study, over eight million tons of plastic pollution end up in the ocean each year. Drink from a refillable water bottle, place your sandwich in cloth or a reusable container, and use bar soap instead of bottled.

Garbage club

Form a club in your classroom to reduce your waste at school . Monitor what’s thrown away each week, and think about ways to cut down on those items.

Trash trooper

Participate in a community cleanup . The groups that host the events sometimes weigh the collected trash, which helps leaders make decisions about laws that encourage people to waste less.

Recycle right

People in the United States recycle only about 35 percent of their waste, so recycle what you can. Ask for help to create a paper and plastic recycling program in your classroom.

Business talk

Does your favorite ice-cream shop use plastic spoons? Ask an adult to help you talk to the owner about switching to a non-plastic option. Some kinds of spoons are even edible!

Do-good goodie bag

Don’t fill your birthday goodie bags with plastic yo-yos and other trinkets for your friends. Instead, give them homemade treats or coupons to a local bakery.

Straw sense

Experts estimate that Americans use about 500 million plastic straws a day, and they’re one of the top 10 trash items found during ocean cleanups. If you must use a straw, find a reusable metal straw or a paper version or make your own.

Pest Friends

Ask your parents to buy food and clothes that are made without pesticides—chemicals sprayed on crops to kill bad bugs. The problem? Pesticides also can kill critters like bees that are eco-friendly.

Stuffed with stuff

Items shipped to your home often come wrapped in plastic packaging; toys bought at the store are covered in it. Think about what can be bought secondhand, what can be shared, and what doesn’t need to be purchased at all.

explore more

Learn about plastic and how to reduce your use., save the earth, save the earth tips, endangered species act.

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