Question

What is the difference between soil pollution and soil erosion?

Answer 1

Dear Student,

The addition of harmful substances to soil whereby both soil fertility and the useful life forms present in soil are adversely affected is called soil pollution.

Causes of soil pollution

• Industrial wastes such as harmful chemicals
• Agricultural wastes containing pesticides, fertilizers and insecticides
• Acid rain
• Inadequate knowledge of soil management
• Garbage disposal
• Undesirable irrigation practices

Washing away of the fertile layer of soil is known as soil erosion. Water and wind erosion are now the two primary causes of soil erosion. Industrial agriculture, deforestation, roads construction, climatic change and urbanization are amongst the most significant human activities which lead to soil erosion.