Land Pollution pollution of our planets land surface

It may also refer to Brownfield land, Habitat destruction, Land degradation, Litter, and Soil Contamination Sources of Land Pollution: Agriculture Mining Industries Sewage Treatment Ashes Garbage Construction Deforestration Chemical and nuclear plants Oil refineries Causes of Land Pollution: Increase in urbanization Increase in agricultural land Domestic waste Agricultural activities Industrial activities Effects of Land Pollution: Exterminates wildlife Acid rain kills trees and other plants Vegetation that provides food and shelter is destroyed It can seriously disrupt the balance of nature Pesticides can damage crops; kill vegetation; and poison birds, animals and fishes. There can be catastrophic consequences of land pollution in relation to humans, animals, water and soils. The effects are even worse if the garbage is not separated into organic, re-usable and recyclable waste. Contaminated lands and environments can: Cause problems in the human respiratory system Cause problems on the skin Cause various kinds of cancers The toxic materials that pollute the soil can get into the human body directly by: Coming into contact with the skin. Being washed into water sources like reservoirs and rivers. Eating fruits and vegetables that have been grown into polluted soil. Breathing in polluted dust or particles. Dump sites and landfills also come with serious problems like: Very bad smell and odor in the town. Landfills breed rodents like rats, mice and insects, who in-turn transmit diseases. Landfills in towns do not attract tourists to the town. The town will lose revenue.

Many landfills are always burning and they cause further air pollution.

Land Pollution Solutions We can reduce land pollution by taking the following steps: Encourage organic farming. Proper garbage disposal. Recycle garbage. Reduce use of herbicides and pesticides. Avoid over packaged items. Efficient utilization of resources and reducing wastage. Recycle or incinerate domestic or human waste. Using plant-based insecticides or eco-friendly products instead of harmful ones for farming. Implementing rules and regulations on how to deal with mining and industrial waste. Conservation. Purchase organic food and food products as organic farmers and companies strive to preserve the health of the soil and all living things. Always practice the three Rs; Reduce. Reuse. Recycle. Eliminate plastic use and/or use reusable plastic products. Reduce general household products. Do not deposit any harmful substances down the drain, if its in the water, it will get into the soil. Keep all motorized vehicles properly maintained. Enforce and obey anti-litter bylaws. Report misuse and participate in anti-litter campaigns. Use natural fertilizers and organic compost on lawns and gardens. Preserve forests and promote reforestration. Recycle and dispose household waste properly. Avoid all chemical use, pesticides, herbicides, fungicides on gardens and lawns. Plant trees. Soil degradation removal of the topsoil faster than the soil forming process Primary causes of soil degradation: Deforestration Overexploitation for fuel wood Overgrazing Agricultural activities Industrialization How does it affect our food supply? We will not be capable of growing enough food for our survival. Land will not be capable of feeding enough animals for us to eat. What can be done? Eat more sensibly, less meat, more fruits and vegetables. Use other means of construction other than wood. Refurbish existing buildings rather than build new ones.

Plant more trees to replace the ones we cut down. Collect and store rain water so we need less irrigation Create special tax incentives for those having only 2 children to curb population growth.

Soil erosion the loss and displacement of the earths fertile topsoil. Soil erosion primarily results from two factors: 1. Physical phenomenon Rainfall (depending on its intensity, duration, and distribution) Wind, especially strong gales which easily blow dry powdery soil and slope of the land which facilitates the soil run-off 2. Human intervention Deforestration Overgrazing Overcropping Kaingin - an agricultural technique which involves cutting and burning of forests or woodlands to create fields Activities of Man Contributing to Soil Erosion and Disruption of the Earths Landscape 1. Agricultural Disruptions Logging Selective cutting or Clear cutting Farming Cattle Ranching Gathering Wood Fuel Hydroelectric Development Urbanization 2. Disruption of the Landscape Surface Mining Surface mining or Strip mining Types of Environmental Impact of Mining: o Direct impact death of plants and animals caused by mining or contact with toxic soil and water from mines o Indirect impact changes in nutrient cycling, total biomass, species diversity, and ecosystem stability due to alterations in ground water or surface water availability or quality. Social Impact of Mining: o There is influx of workers into areas unprepared for growth. o Local services are placed and improved in area. o Land use shifts from open range, forest, agriculture to urban. o Construction activities and pollution reduce water quality and air quality. Highway Construction Stream Channelization Jetties (Piers)

3. Chemical Fertilization Problems with use of chemical fertilization: o Chemical fertilizers are expensive and are therefore unavailable to farmers o Soil chemistry is complex. Essential plant nutrients: o Micronutrient element needed by plants only at very low levels o Macronutrient element generally recognized as essential for plants Nitrogen fertilizers Phosphorus fertilizers Potassium fertilizers o Mixed fertilizers 4. Green Revolution 5. Use of Pesticides Permanent pesticides Persistent pesticides Non-persistent pesticides Effects/Problems associated with use of pesticides: o They affect other forms of life because they are generally non-selective. o Their manner of use is in most cases not precise. o Many kinds of chemicals are chemically unstable. o Insidious pathways of biological transfer of toxic chemicals are now well known. o Particides affect the gene pool of mankind. Options to Chemical Insect Control: o Biological control method o Natural chemical method o Crop rotation o Use of genetic engineering o Agricultural method Principal Effects of Soil Erosion: 1. The deterioration of agricultural lands 2. Increase of flood occurrence 3. Reduced water supply 4. Siltation of reservoirs, canals, and rivers 5. Destruction of buildings, roads, and public works 6. Depletion of wildlife and other natural resources Solid Wastes any discarded or unwanted materials that are not liquid or gas Solid Waste Disposal Methods: 1. Reduction at Source 2. Recycling 3. Composting 4. Incinerators 5. Sanitary Landfills