Presented by Afzalul Hoda
M.Sc. in Environmental Science and Currently working as Environmental Specialist.
The presentation includes the following topics;
1. What is Soil?
2. Pedogenesis Or Soil Formation
3. Soil Horizon Or Layer of Soil
4. Pollution and Soil Pollution
5. Types of Soil Pollution
6. Source of Soil Pollution
7. Effects of Soil Pollution
8. Prevention of Soil Pollution
2. TOPICS
1. What is Soil?
2. Pedogenesis Or Soil Formation
3. Soil Horizon Or Layer of Soil
4. Pollution and Soil Pollution
5. Types of Soil Pollution
6. Source of Soil Pollution
7. Effects of Soil Pollution
8. Prevention of Soil Pollution
PROJECT: NRC1- 10 K
3. SOIL FORMATION Or PEDOGENESIS
Soil formation, also known as pedogenesis, is the process by which
soil develops over time through the interaction of physical, chemical,
and biological factors acting on parent material (such as rock or
sediment).
It involves weathering of minerals, organic matter decomposition,
and the activity of soil organisms, leading to the formation of
distinct soil horizons and properties.
WHAT IS SOIL?
Soil, also commonly referred to as earth or dirt, is a mixture of organic matter, minerals,
gases, liquids, and organisms that together support the life of plants and soil organisms.
Soil develops slowly over time and is composed of many different materials.
4. SOIL HORIZON?
🔸A soil horizon is a layer of soil parallel to the surface, with distinct
characteristics that differ from the layers above and below it. These layers are
formed by various soil-forming processes and are identified based on properties
like color, texture, structure, and composition.
LAYERS OF SOIL HORIZON – 6 Layers (Continued)
O Horizon (Organic Horizon):
🔸This is the topmost layer of soil.
🔸Composed of organic matter such as decomposed leaves, plant residues, and
humus.
🔸Often darker in color due to the high concentration of organic materials.
A Horizon (Topsoil):
🔸Lies just below the O horizon.
🔸Contains a mixture of organic material and mineral particles.
🔸Rich in nutrients and organic matter, making it ideal for plant growth.
5. LAYERS OF SOIL HORIZON (Continued)
E Horizon (Eluviation Horizon):Also known as the leaching horizon.
🔸Located beneath the A horizon.
🔸Characterized by the loss of minerals and organic matter due to leaching by
water dripping through the soil.
🔸Often lighter in color than the layers above and below it.
B Horizon (Subsoil):
🔸Lies beneath the E horizon.
🔸Accumulates minerals and nutrients leached from the layers above.
🔸Contains less organic matter than the A horizon.
🔸Can exhibit distinct colorations and textures due to the accumulation of
minerals like iron and clay.
6. LAYERS OF SOIL HORIZON
C Horizon (Parent Material):
🔸Lies beneath the B horizon.
🔸Consists of weathered rock fragments and partially broken down minerals.
🔸The starting point for soil formation.
R Horizon (Bedrock):
🔸The bottommost layer of soil.
🔸Consists of unweathered rock or consolidated material.
🔸Serves as the parent material for the layers above.
🔸These horizons together form what is known as the soil profile, representing
the vertical arrangement of soil layers from the surface down to the bedrock.
7. WHAT IS POLLUTION?
Pollution refers to the introduction of harmful or toxic substances into the
environment, which can cause adverse effects on living organisms, ecosystems,
and natural resources. The term "pollution" originates from the Latin word
"polluere," which means to defile or make dirty.
WHAT IS SOIL POLLUTION?
Soil pollution refers to the contamination of soil by harmful substances, which
adversely affect its quality and fertility.
🔸These substances can include chemicals, heavy metals, pesticides, industrial
waste, and untreated sewage.
Or,
The addition/ Introduction of solid , liquid or gaseous Pollutants that alter the
quality of Soil.
8. TYPES OF SOIL POLLUTION
Pesticide and Herbicide Pollution: Chemicals used in agriculture to control pests and
weeds can leach into the soil, contaminating it and affecting soil health and biodiversity.
Chemical Pollution: Caused by the release of harmful chemicals into the soil, often from
industrial activities, agricultural practices, or improper waste disposal.
Heavy Metal Pollution: Heavy metals like lead, mercury, cadmium, and arsenic can
accumulate in soil due to industrial processes, mining, and improper disposal of
electronic waste.
Oil and Petroleum Pollution: Spills from oil and petroleum products, such as gasoline and
diesel, can occur during transportation, storage, or industrial activities, leading to soil
contamination.
Sewage and Waste Pollution: Improper disposal of sewage, solid waste, and hazardous
materials can introduce pathogens, toxins, and pollutants into the soil, posing risks to
human health and the environment.
9. SOURCE OF SOIL POLLUTION (Continued)
Pollution can originate from various sources, each contributing to the degradation of Soil
quality. Here's a breakdown of common sources:
Industrial Activities: Chemical spills, waste disposal, and emissions from industries can
contaminate soil with heavy metals, solvents, and other toxic substances.
Agricultural Practices: Overuse of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers can lead to soil
contamination. Also, improper disposal of agricultural waste such as animal manure can
contribute to pollution.
Mining Activities: Extraction and processing of minerals can release harmful substances into
the soil, including heavy metals and acidic drainage.
Improper Waste Disposal: Dumping of municipal solid waste, hazardous waste, and
construction debris without proper management can lead to soil pollution.
10. SOURCE OF SOIL POLLUTION
Deforestation and Land Clearing: Removing vegetation exposes soil to erosion and reduces
its ability to absorb pollutants, leading to soil degradation and pollution.
Urbanization and Construction: Urban development and construction activities can disturb
soil, release pollutants, and compact the soil, reducing its fertility and ability to support
plant growth.
Transportation: Vehicles emit pollutants such as heavy metals and hydrocarbons, which can
accumulate in soil near roadsides and transportation routes.
Oil Spills: Accidental spills of oil and petroleum products can contaminate soil, affecting its
quality and ability to support plant and microbial life.
11. EFFECTS OF SOIL POLLUTION (Continued)
Crop Contamination: Soil pollution can contaminate crops, affecting their growth and quality.
This can lead to reduced agricultural productivity and pose health risks to consumers.
Water Contamination: Pollutants in the soil can leach into groundwater, contaminating
drinking water sources and aquatic ecosystems.
Health Risks: Soil pollution can result in the accumulation of harmful chemicals in plants,
animals, and humans, leading to various health issues such as respiratory problems, skin
diseases, and even cancer.
Ecosystem Disruption: Soil pollution can disrupt the balance of ecosystems by harming soil
organisms, reducing biodiversity, and altering nutrient cycles.
Reduced Soil Fertility: Pollutants in the soil can degrade its fertility by interfering with
nutrient availability and microbial activity, ultimately affecting plant growth and agricultural
sustainability.
12. EFFECTS OF SOIL POLLUTION
Reduced Soil Fertility: Pollutants in the soil can degrade its fertility by interfering with
nutrient availability and microbial activity, ultimately affecting plant growth and agricultural
sustainability.
Economic Impact: Soil pollution can have significant economic consequences, including
reduced crop yields, increased healthcare costs, and expenses associated with soil
remediation efforts.
Land Degradation: Continuous soil pollution can lead to land degradation, making it
unsuitable for agriculture, construction, or other human activities, thereby reducing land
value and usability.
Removing vegetation exposes soil to erosion and reduces its ability to absorb pollutants,
leading to soil degradation and pollution.
Global Impact: Soil pollution can contribute to global environmental issues such as climate
change and loss of biodiversity, amplifying the need for sustainable soil
management practices.
13. PREVENTION OF SOIL POLLUTION
Reduce Chemical Usage: Minimize the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides
in agriculture to prevent soil contamination.
Proper Waste Disposal: Dispose of household waste, industrial waste, and hazardous
materials properly to prevent soil contamination from leachate.
Composting: Encourage composting of organic waste to enrich soil fertility and reduce
reliance on chemical fertilizers.
Crop Rotation and Cover Crops: Implement crop rotation and cover cropping techniques to
improve soil health, prevent erosion, and reduce the need for chemical inputs.
14. PREVENTION OF SOIL POLLUTION
Regulate Industrial Activities: Enforce regulations on industrial activities to control the
release of pollutants into soil through spills, leaks, or improper waste disposal.
Monitor Landfills: Properly manage and monitor landfills to prevent leachate contamination
and ensure proper containment of hazardous materials.
Promote Sustainable Land Use: Encourage sustainable land use practices such as urban
planning, reforestation, and land restoration to preserve soil quality and prevent pollution.
Education and Awareness: Educate communities, farmers, industries, and policymakers
about the importance of soil conservation and pollution prevention through workshops,
campaigns, and outreach programs.
Legislation and Enforcement: Implement and enforce stringent environmental laws and
regulations aimed at preventing soil pollution, including penalties for non-compliance.
