< Previous | Contents | Next >
♤ Soil is a thin layer of organic and inorganic materials that covers the Earth’s rocky surface. Soil pollution is defined as the ‘addition of substances to the soil, which adversely affect physical, chemical and biological properties of soil and reduces its productivity.’
♤ It is build-up of persistent toxic compounds, chemicals, salts, radioactive materials, or disease causing agents in soil which have adverse effects on plant growth, human and animal health.
♤ A soil pollutant is any factor which deteriorates the quality, texture and mineral content of the soil or which disturbs the biological balance of the organisms in the soil.