Soil pollution

Soil pollution pertains to the contamination of the soil due to man-made chemicals such as hydrocarbons, heavy metals, solvents, etc. It is typically caused by industrial activity, agricultural chemicals, and improper disposal of waste.

Soil pollution sources include:

• Hazardous waste and sewage spills
• Non-sustainable farming practices, such as the heavy use of inorganic pesticides
• Strip mining, deforestation, and other destructive practices
• Household dumping and littering

Soil contamination can lead to poor growth and reduced crop yields, loss of wildlife habitat, water and visual pollution, soil erosion, and desertification.