Meghan Hodges
Soil is an integral part of the natural ecosystem, and soil pollution has serious consequences for plants, animals, and humans alike. Soil pollution is mostly caused by chemical substances produced by human activity, and it is estimated that by 2050, around 90% of the Earth's soils could be degraded. Soil degradation affects the quality of air and water, particularly in developing countries, and it is a critical and often overlooked threat multiplier. To save soil from pollution, we can take a proactive approach by implementing careful strategies to keep pollutants out of the soil, such as proper waste disposal methods and land management. Additionally, regenerative agricultural practices, such as crop rotation, agroforestry, and reducing the use of pesticides and fertilizers, can help restore degraded soil to good health.
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What You'll Learn
Reduce reliance on pesticides and fertilisers
Soil is fundamental to all life on Earth. It filters our water and grows our crops. However, human activity is destroying this balance, and one-third of the world's soil is already degraded. Soil degradation is a natural process, but human activities have accelerated it. Pollution kills microbial life in the soil, and pesticides and fertilisers are major contributors to this.
Pesticides are widely used in agricultural production to control weeds and insects, and they have significantly increased agricultural products. About one-third of agricultural products are produced using pesticides. Without them, there could be a 78% loss of fruit production, a 54% loss of vegetable production, and a 32% loss of cereal production. They are also used in public health to kill pests such as mosquitoes, ticks, rats, and mice, reducing the burden of diseases caused by these vectors.
However, pesticides have adverse effects on the environment and non-target species. For example, phenoxy herbicides can injure nearby trees and shrubs, and glyphosate can increase the susceptibility of certain plants to disease, posing a threat to endangered plant species. Pesticides can also reach surface water through runoff from treated plants and soil, contaminating water sources.
To reduce reliance on pesticides and fertilisers, here are some strategies:
- Crop rotation and complementary crops: Growing a variety of plants together through crop rotation and agroforestry helps restore degraded soil to good health. This gives soil time to replenish the nutrients needed by plants and allows biological systems to support each other.
- Nature-friendly organic farming: Organic farms tend to have higher levels of soil microorganisms due to the use of more organic matter like manure and compost. This improves soil health naturally and increases its ability to store nutrients and water.
- Soil fungi: Promoting soil fungi helps plants extract nutrients from the soil while increasing resistance to disease and building a healthy soil structure.
- Cover crops: Growing cover crops between harvests protects and nourishes the soil. This helps the land to withstand heavy rainfall and improves soil health.
- Proper waste disposal: Preventing soil pollution by properly disposing of waste is essential. Waste should be treated prior to release to neutralise any highly acidic or alkaline substances that could contaminate the soil.
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Plant nitrogen-rich plants
Nitrogen is a crucial element for plant growth and is found in the water we drink, the air we breathe, and in soils and plants. It is a key building block of DNA, which carries our genetic information. However, too much nitrogen can be toxic to plants and can also harm the environment.
Plants that are unable to obtain sufficient nitrogen display a yellowish hue and do not grow well, producing smaller flowers and fruits. They are also unable to produce amino acids, which are substances that contain nitrogen and hydrogen and are essential for living cells, muscles, and tissue.
Legumes, such as beans and peas, are examples of nitrogen-fixing plants. They can fix substantial amounts of N2 into usable N through a symbiotic relationship with nodule-forming Rhizobium bacteria that inhabit their roots. These bacteria convert atmospheric N2 into a form that the plant can use. Legumes can supply N to the soil system when the plant material is decomposed, and they can also increase the fertility of your soils.
By planting nitrogen-rich plants, you can improve soil health and support the growth of other plants. These plants can act as a "buffer" or filter, preventing excessive fertilizer from entering waterways. For example, poplar trees have been shown to hold on to 99% of the nitrate entering an underground water flow.
Additionally, deep-rooting nitrogen-rich plants can stop the soil from hardening, promote a healthy soil structure, and draw up nutrients from deeper in the soil, making them more accessible to other plants.
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Support nature-friendly organic farming
Soil is an integral part of the natural ecosystem, and soil pollution can have a domino effect on plants, animals, and humans. To save our soils, we need to make changes to our agricultural practices and support nature-friendly organic farming.
Nature-friendly organic farming works in harmony with nature and improves the health of our soil naturally. Organic farms tend to have higher levels of soil microorganisms, a sign of healthy soil. This is because organic farmers rely on the natural breakdown of organic matter and use techniques like green manure and composting to replace nutrients taken from the soil by previous crops. They also use more organic matter, like manure and compost, to help the soil store nutrients and water.
Organic farmers do not use synthetic fertilizers, GMOs, or pesticides, so they have to fight insects, diseases, and weeds using other methods. For example, biological pest control methods such as fostering insect predators are encouraged. They also use naturally derived insecticides like Bacillus thuringiensis (a bacterial toxin), pyrethrum (a chrysanthemum extract), and neem (a tree extract).
Organic farming techniques also include crop rotation, companion planting, and mixed cropping. Crop rotation means changing the species on the same field season by season, giving the soil time to replenish the nutrients needed by plants. Agroforestry, or growing a variety of plants together, can also help soil to flourish.
To support nature-friendly organic farming, you can find your closest box scheme to support a nature-friendly farmer in your area. You can also support organizations like the Soil Association, which works with farmers to test practical solutions and lobbies governments to prioritize and safeguard soils.
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Avoid dumping waste
Soil is an integral part of the natural ecosystem. Soil degradation is a natural process, but it is being accelerated by human activity. One-third of the world's soil is already degraded due to human activities. Human activities such as industrial waste, agricultural practices, and construction development disturb the soil structure and introduce pollutants. These pollutants not only contaminate the soil but also impact groundwater, the food chain, and overall human health.
The improper disposal of waste is a significant contributor to soil pollution. When waste is dumped into the environment, toxins from the disposal can seep into the soil and affect the environment. Hazardous substances, such as heavy metals, chemicals, and waste products, can accumulate in the soil through improper waste disposal, leading to long-term risks to human health and the ecosystem.
To avoid dumping waste and protect soil health, it is crucial to practice proper waste management. This includes reducing, reusing, and recycling waste to minimize the impact on the environment and human health. Waste should be disposed of in designated areas with proper treatment to neutralize potential contaminants before release into the environment. For example, highly acidic or alkaline waste must be neutralized before disposal to prevent soil contamination.
Additionally, supporting nature-friendly organic farming practices can help improve soil health. Organic farms tend to have higher levels of soil microorganisms due to the use of organic matter like manure and compost. Consumers can play a role by supporting companies committed to minimizing soil damage and regenerating degraded land through regenerative practices.
At home, individuals can save soil by covering empty garden beds with compost or organic mulching material. This helps regulate moisture and reduces damage from heavy rainfall. Planting flowers, vegetables, and deep-rooting plants can also benefit soil health by preventing hardening and promoting a healthy soil structure.
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Improve soil health through regenerative practices
Soil is a fundamental natural resource that supports all life on Earth. It is integral to the natural ecosystem, and its degradation can have a domino effect on plants, animals, and humans. Human activities such as pollution, deforestation, and urbanization accelerate soil degradation, making it vulnerable to erosion. Therefore, it is essential to adopt regenerative practices to improve soil health and combat these issues.
Regenerative agriculture is a pragmatic framework that aims to improve soil health and address soil degradation. It focuses on keeping the soil covered, minimizing soil disturbance, preserving living roots, increasing biodiversity, and reducing synthetic inputs. One such practice is cover cropping, where crops are planted in soil that would normally be bare after a cash crop is harvested. Cover crops reduce soil erosion, increase water retention, improve soil health, and enhance biodiversity. They can be planted during harvest or between rows of permanent crops. Additionally, holistic managed grazing, also known as intensive rotational grazing, mimics the movement of large herds across grasslands, benefiting soil health.
Adopting regenerative practices can have numerous benefits. For example, healthy soils with high organic matter can absorb more water during floods and maintain water security during droughts. Regenerative practices can also help prevent wildfires by grazing livestock to control brush. These practices can lead to healthier crops and increased yields, benefiting farmers and downstream communities.
Some specific ways to improve soil health through regenerative practices include agroforestry, which involves growing a variety of plants together so that their biological systems support each other and promote healthy soil structure. Promoting soil fungi helps plants extract nutrients from the soil, increasing their resistance to disease. Additionally, growing different vegetables and plants can recycle nutrients back into the soil and improve its fertility. Deep-rooting plants prevent soil hardening and draw up nutrients from deeper layers for other plants to use.
Governing bodies and agricultural agencies also play a role in promoting soil health. Several programs have been launched worldwide, such as the U.K.'s Healthy Soil, Healthy Food, Healthy People (H3) initiative, which aims to transform the food system by focusing on the natural environment. Similarly, the United States Department of Agriculture offers the Environmental Quality Incentives Program and the Conservation Stewardship Program to encourage soil health practices. These initiatives provide incentives and support for farmers to adopt regenerative agriculture, which has the potential to mitigate climate change and improve soil health for future generations.
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Frequently asked questions
Soil pollution occurs when hazardous substances contaminate the soil. These substances are often chemical products of human activity.
Soil pollution can have a domino effect on the ecosystem, impacting plants, animals, and humans alike. Soil pollutants can enter the human body through contaminated drinking water, bathing water, or the food chain. This can lead to illnesses and increased resistance to pharmaceuticals.
Soil pollution jeopardizes world food security by reducing the amount and quality of harvests. Poor soil leads to poor nutritional value in fruits and vegetables. Soil degradation also affects the quality of air and water, contributing to climate change and forced migrations.
Preventing soil pollution is key. Proper waste disposal methods, such as treating highly acidic or alkaline waste before release, can reduce the risk of soil contamination. Additionally, land and water management services can help protect soil quality.
You can support soil health by covering empty garden beds with compost or mulch to regulate moisture and protect against erosion. Planting a variety of vegetables, plants, and flowers can recycle nutrients back into the soil and improve its structure.
