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Forms of Land Pollution

Land pollution is when the earth's land surface is degraded. This happens when the earth's soil is misused. Soil is misused through poor agricultural practices, mineral exploitation, industrial waste dumping, demolition and construction, sewage slug and improper disposal of urban wastes. This includes general litter and other visible waste. Land pollution threatens the foundation and mechanical support of the earth's matter.

  1. Soil Pollution

    • The disposition of solid waste can lead to soil pollution. Toxic chemicals and poisons can alter the chemical composition of soil and contribute to soil pollution. Chemicals such as herbicides and pesticides contribute to poisoning the soil. Herbicides are weed killing treatments. Pesticides kill insects and invertebrate pests. Soil pollution contributes to a loss of 24 billion tons of topsoil, 6 million hectares each year and 16 million square inch miles of the world's land surface.

    Waste Disposal

    • The accumulation of non-biodegradable materials typically accumulates in litter. Litter is dumped in public places like streets, parks, picnic areas and around bus stops and shopping areas. When waste accumulates it poses health risks for people in residential areas. When waste decays it attracts pests and turns areas into dirty, unsightly health hazards. Waste also is washed ashore from boats and sewage outlets. Landfills are not an easy solution because there are costs to maintain these quarries or pits. Landfills, in fact, are only a quick fix and expose people living around such landfills to chemicals released in the air, water or soil.

    Improper Irrigation

    • When salt is improperly drained salt deposits are left behind. This leads to high levels of saline in the soil, which in turn stunts the growth of plant life and may contribute to crop failure. Land that is not irrigated contributes to stagnation agriculture waste products. Non-irrigated land increases land toxicity. Irregular irrigation decreases moisture in the land and does not allow the soil to be replenished of the solvents for minerals needed for the soil.

    Ways to Control Land Pollution

    • Land pollution is devastating in all forms and leads to an unstable environment. For this reason people should contribute to controlling it and, if at all possible, prevent land pollution. Littering is a global problem. Anti-litter campaigns educate people against littering. Individuals, companies and neighborhoods may create recycling programs. This includes recycling inorganic items like metals, glass, plastic and paper that can be reclaimed and used for other purposes. Organic waste can be put back into the soil for replenishment and nourishment. This includes promoting the purchase of biodegradable items.

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