Question

(a) What is soil pollution? What factors are responsible for it? (6) Suggest two methods of preventing or reducing soil pollution.

Answer 1

1. Soil Pollution: It is an adverse alteration in the soil caused by the removal or addition of substances that reduce its fertility and quality.
2. Factors: Addition of raw manure, excess fertilizers, pesticides, faulty irrigation, and dumping of wastes as well as industrial effluents.
3. Control of Soil Pollution: (i) Minimum or no use of chemical fertilizers, insecticides, and pesticides. (ii) Dumping of solid wastes only in sanitary fill. (iii) Proper disposal of garbage in composting, biogas plants, and incineration.