We tend to look skywards when talking about pollution, but this problem is not confined to our skies. The soil in which our fruit and vegetables grow is also suffering its consequences, the effects of which getting to us directly, for instance, through the aforementioned foodstuffs. The time has come to look after what lies under our feet! Keep reading on for the ways to reduce soil pollution we must carry out right now.

Ways To Reduce Soil Pollution

1. Plant more trees

Soil erosion is activated, when there are no trees to prevent the top layer of the soil from being carried by different agents of nature like water and air.

The effects of acid rain and floods can wipe out healthy soil in the absence of trees, which would otherwise help absorb and maintain these waters and the toxins that come along. Through reforestation efforts and planting new trees and vegetation in areas that are at risk to erosion, soil pollution can be further interrupted.

2. Use natural alternatives to toxic substances

The World Health Organization estimates that over 3 million people are hospitalized due to pesticide poisoning every year, resulting in a quarter of a million premature deaths.

The pervasive use of pesticides in agricultural production can weaken and destroy the community of microorganisms living in the soil, particularly when these chemicals are overused or misused.

Current alternatives that promote sustainable agricultural practices include crop rotation, biological pest control and polyculture.

3. Develop necessary legislation on soil pollution control

Although efforts are being put in place to ensure soil pollution control, the process ought to be accelerated by drafting the necessary legislation. The existing registrations such as urban and rural planning, agricultural practices, and land management should be revised and updated to include contemporary soil pollution control and prevention measures.

Legislations on pesticide management, contaminated sites management, and farmland soil management should as well be updated. Furthermore, measures should be put in place to promote continuous improvement of soil pollution control standards.

4. Proper Solid Waste Treatment

It is important to dispose of solid waste properly by treated it before it’s released into the environment. Acidic and alkaline waste, for example, can be neutralized before they are disposed of to avoid soil contamination. Biodegradable waste should also be broken down in a controlled environment before it is released into the environment. A great example is the proper treatment of sewage sludge.

The waste materials should also be categorized based on the degree of contamination. Materials that are mildly or moderately contaminated should be treated in controlled environments before release into the natural environments while those that are heavily contaminated should be put under strict management, treatment, and control.

5. Embrace technological research and development

To ensure sustainability in the prevention and control of soil pollution, research on soil pollution prevention and control should be advanced by strengthening technological research. The government should integrate the resources from various research institutions and universities to support relevant research on soil environmental capacity and ecological effects of soil contamination among other possibilities.

The effort should also include promoting research on common technologies that relate to soil pollution diagnosis, research, and development of advanced data collection and mapping equipment, and soils contamination risk management and control.

6. Reduce Your ‘Waste Footprint’

– Waste, such as plastic, non-biodegradable materials and litter, can accumulate in fertile land, polluting and altering the chemical and biological properties of soil. According to the Clean Air Council, almost one-third of the waste in the U.S. comes from packaging – try to purchase materials with the least amount of packaging and always Reduce, Reuse and Recycle!

7. Reduce Deforestation and Begin Reforestation

Deforestation and soil erosion are the simple ways to reduce soil pollution which are very much interconnected. For example, the effects of acid rain and floods can decimate healthy soil in the absence of trees, which would otherwise help absorb and maintain these waters and the toxins that come along. Soil erosion can occur when there are no trees or few plants to prevent the top layer of soil from being removed and transported by forces of nature, such as water and air, which contribute to soil pollution. Through reforestation efforts and planting new vegetation in areas that are prone to erosion, soil pollution can be further prevented.