Problems of the Present: Soil Contamination and Depletion

From time immemorial, land resources were considered one of the most important types of material values. Nevertheless, at present, the soil cover accounts for a significant load. In the following material, one of the most important problems of our time will be considered: land pollution.

Main reasons

Pollution and depletion of soil is currently a special type of degradation of the land resource. At the same time, there are two main reasons for such negative changes. The first is natural. The composition and structure of the soil can change as a result of global natural phenomena. For example, because of the movement of lithospheric plates, the constant impact of significant air masses or water elements. In connection with all the above reasons for natural destruction, the hard shell of the Earth gradually changes its appearance. As the second factor, as a result of which pollution and depletion of soil occurs, one can call anthropogenic impact. Currently, it is the one that causes the greatest damage. Consider this destructive factor in more detail.

Human activities as the cause of soil degradation

Negative anthropogenic impact often arises from agricultural activities, the operation of large industrial facilities, the construction of buildings and structures, transport communications, as well as household needs and human needs. All of the above is the cause of the negative processes, called "Pollution and depletion of soil." Among the consequences of the impact on the land resources of the anthropogenic factor, the following can be named: erosion, acidification, structure breakdown and composition change, mineral base degradation, waterlogging or, conversely, desiccation, dehumification, and so on.

Agriculture

Perhaps, it is this kind of anthropogenic activity that can be considered the key one in the matter of what causes pollution and depletion of the soil. The reasons for such processes are often related. For example, first there is an intensive development of lands. As a result, deflation is developing. In turn, plowing is capable of activating water erosion processes. Even additional irrigation is considered a negative factor of impact, as it is the cause of salinization of land resources. In addition, pollution and depletion of soil can occur due to the introduction of organic and mineral fertilizers, unsystematic grazing of farm animals, destruction of vegetation cover and so on.

Chemical pollution

The soil resources of the planet are significantly influenced by industry and transport. It is these two directions in the development of human activity that lead to the contamination of the earth with all sorts of chemical elements and compounds. Heavy metals, oil products and other complex organic substances are considered especially dangerous. The appearance of all of the above compounds in the environment is associated with the operation of industrial plants and internal combustion engines that are installed in most vehicles.

Soil contamination and depletion: ways to solve the problem

Of course, it is initially necessary that everyone understands the extent of their responsibility for the favorable ecological situation on the planet. In addition, even at the legislative level, it is necessary to establish restrictions on the conduct of economic activities. An example of such measures is the increase in green spaces, as well as the establishment of control and systematic checks of rational land use.