From time immemorial, land resources have been considered one of the most important types of material values. Nevertheless, the soil cover is currently under significant pressure. The material below will address one of the most important issues of our time: land pollution.
Main reasons
Soil pollution and depletion is currently a special type of land degradation. At the same time, two main reasons for such negative changes are distinguished. The first is natural. The composition and structure of the soil may change as a result of global natural phenomena. For example, due to the movement of lithospheric plates, the constant impact of significant air masses or water elements. In connection with all of the above causes of natural destruction, the solid shell of the Earth is gradually changing its appearance. As a second factor, as a result of which there is pollution and depletion of the soil, we can name anthropogenic impact. Currently, it is it that does the most damage. Consider this destructive factor in more detail.
Human activities as a cause of soil degradation
Negative anthropogenic impact often arises as a result of agricultural activities, the operation of large industrial facilities, the construction of buildings and structures, transport links, as well as the domestic and human needs. All of the above are the causes of negative processes, called "Contamination and depletion of the soil." Among the consequences of the impact of anthropogenic factor on land resources are the following: erosion, acidification, structural destruction and compositional changes, mineral base degradation, waterlogging, or, conversely, desiccation, dehumification, and so on.
Agriculture
Perhaps this particular type of anthropogenic activity can be considered key in the question of what causes soil pollution and depletion. The reasons for such processes are often related. For example, at first there is intensive land development. As a result of this, deflation develops. In turn, plowing is able to activate water erosion processes. Even additional irrigation is considered a negative impact factor, since it is precisely this that causes salinization of land resources. In addition, soil pollution and depletion can occur in connection with the introduction of organic and mineral fertilizers, unsystematic grazing of farm animals, destruction of vegetation cover and so on.
Chemical pollution
The planet’s soil resources are significantly affected by industry and transport. It is these two directions of the development of human activity that lead to the pollution of the earth with all kinds of chemical elements and compounds. Heavy metals, oil products and other complex organic substances are considered to be especially dangerous. The appearance of all of the above compounds in the environment is associated with the work of industrial enterprises and internal combustion engines, which are installed in most vehicles.
Soil pollution and depletion: solutions
Of course, initially it is necessary that each person understands the measure of his responsibility for a favorable environmental situation on the planet. In addition, it should even establish legislative restrictions on the conduct of business activities. An example of such measures is the increase in green spaces, as well as the establishment of control and systematic audits of the rational use of land.