"It is typically caused by industrial activity, agricultural chemicals or improper disposal of waste."
The study of the presence and effects of pollutants in soil on human health and the environment.
Soil composition and structure: This topic deals with the makeup and arrangement of soil particles, organic matter, and minerals.
Soil fertility: Soil fertility is the ability of a soil to support plant growth. It is influenced by factors such as nutrient availability, soil pH, and water-holding capacity.
Soil organisms and their roles: Soil is home to a variety of organisms, from bacteria to earthworms, that play important roles in maintaining soil health and fertility.
Soil testing and analysis: Soil testing involves obtaining samples from different parts of a field or garden and analyzing them for various parameters, such as pH, nutrients, and organic matter content.
Soil conservation: Soil conservation practices aim to prevent soil erosion, enhance nutrient cycling, and maintain soil structure and fertility.
Soil contamination and remediation: This topic deals with the sources and impacts of soil contamination, as well as techniques for remediation and restoration of contaminated soils.
Soil health and crop productivity: Soil quality strongly influences crop productivity and yield. Understanding how to maintain soil health through proper management practices is key to sustainable crop production.
Soil organic carbon: Soil organic carbon plays a crucial role in soil quality and fertility, as well as in climate change mitigation and adaptation.
Soil erosion and sedimentation: Soil erosion occurs when the natural balance of soil erosion and sedimentation is disturbed, leading to loss of soil fertility and productivity. This topic deals with the causes and management of soil erosion.
Soil structure and water relations: Soil structure affects water-holding capacity and movement in the soil, which in turn has important implications for soil quality and crop productivity.
Soil ecology: Soil ecology is the study of the interactions between soil organisms, including their roles in nutrient cycling and soil health.
Soil health assessments: Soil health assessments are used to evaluate the condition of soil at a specific location, providing insight into its capacity to support plant growth and other ecosystem services.
Soil biology: Soil biology studies the living organisms in the soil, including bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms, that play important roles in nutrient cycling and soil health.
Soil management practices: This topic deals with the various practices that can be used to maintain or improve soil quality, including crop rotation, cover cropping, and conservation tillage.
Soil microorganisms: Soil microorganisms are key players in the ecosystem functions of soil, including maintaining soil quality and nutrient cycling.
Soil pH and nutrient availability: Soil pH influences nutrient availability, particularly macronutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Soil physical properties: Soil physical properties, such as texture, structure, and porosity, affect water-holding capacity, soil fertility, and soil health.
Soil structure and root growth: Soil structure affects the growth and development of plant roots, which in turn has implications for soil quality and crop productivity.
pH: Soil pH is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of the soil, with a range of 0-14. Soil with a pH of 7 is considered neutral, while below 7 is acidic and above 7 is alkaline.
Nutrient availability: The availability of essential nutrients, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, can affect soil quality. Nutrient deficiencies can result in poor plant growth and a decrease in soil health.
Soil structure: Soil structure refers to the arrangement of soil particles, such as sandy, loamy, and clay soils. Soil structure impacts water infiltration, root growth, and soil stability.
Soil organic matter content: Organic matter consists of plant and animal residues that have decomposed in soil. It is important for soil fertility, water retention, and carbon storage.
Soil texture: Soil texture refers to the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay in soil. The texture affects water-holding capacity, aeration, and nutrient availability.
Soil compaction: Soil compaction occurs when soil particles become tightly packed, reducing air and water spaces. Compacted soil can result in poor plant growth and increased erosion.
Water-holding capacity: The ability of soil to hold water is critical to plant growth and soil health. Soil that retains water too long can lead to waterlogging, while soils that dry out too quickly can lead to drought stress.
Drainage: Good drainage is essential for plant growth and soil health. Excess water can lead to waterlogging, while poor drainage can result in drought stress.
Salinity: Soil salinity refers to the concentration of soluble salts in soil. High salinity can negatively impact plant growth and soil health.
Biological activity: Soil microbes and other organisms play a critical role in soil health. Healthy soils have a diverse community of organisms that contribute to nutrient cycling and other important soil processes.
"The most common chemicals involved are petroleum hydrocarbons, polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (such as naphthalene and benzo(a)pyrene), solvents, pesticides, lead, and other heavy metals."
"The concern over soil contamination stems primarily from health risks, from direct contact with the contaminated soil, vapour from the contaminants, or from secondary contamination of water supplies within and underlying the soil."
"Mapping of contaminated soil sites and the resulting cleanups are time-consuming and expensive tasks, and require expertise in geology, hydrology, chemistry, computer modeling, and GIS in Environmental Contamination, as well as an appreciation of the history of industrial chemistry."
"In North America and Western Europe, the extent of contaminated land is best known, with many countries in these areas having a legal framework to identify and deal with this environmental problem."
"Developing countries tend to be less tightly regulated despite some of them having undergone significant industrialization."
"Contamination is correlated with the degree of industrialization and intensity of chemical substance."
"Typically caused by industrial activity, agricultural chemicals or improper disposal of waste."
"The most common chemicals involved are petroleum hydrocarbons."
"Polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (such as naphthalene and benzo(a)pyrene)."
"Pesticides, lead, and other heavy metals."
"Health risks, from direct contact with the contaminated soil, vapour from the contaminants, or from secondary contamination of water supplies within and underlying the soil."
"Mapping of contaminated soil sites and the resulting cleanups are time-consuming and expensive tasks."
"Require expertise in geology, hydrology, chemistry, computer modeling, and GIS in Environmental Contamination."
"Developing countries tend to be less tightly regulated despite some of them having undergone significant industrialization."
"It is typically caused by industrial activity, agricultural chemicals or improper disposal of waste."
"The concern over soil contamination stems primarily from health risks."
"Many countries in North America and Western Europe have a legal framework to identify and deal with this environmental problem."
"Contamination is correlated with the degree of industrialization and intensity of chemical substance."
"Require an appreciation of the history of industrial chemistry."