5.4.4. Effects of soil pollution on

i) Agriculture

♤ Reduced soil fertility

♤ Reduced nitrogen fixation

♤ Increased erosion

♤ Loss of soil and nutrients

♤ Reduced crop yield

♤ Increased salinity

♤ Deposition of silt in tanks and reservoirs

ii) Health

♤ Dangerous chemicals entering underground water

♤ Bio magnification

♤ Release of pollutant gases

♤ Release of radioactive rays causing health problems iii) Environment

♤ Reduced vegetation

♤ Ecological imbalance

♤ Imbalance in soil fauna and flora

iv) Urban areas

♤ Clogging of drains

♤ Inundation of areas

♤ Foul smell and release of gases

♤ Waste management problems

♤ Control measures

♤ Reducing chemical fertilizer and pesticide use

♤ Use of bio pesticides, bio fertilizers.

♤ Organic farming

♤ Four R’s: Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle

♤ Afforestation and Reforestation

♤ Solid waste treatment

♤ Reduction of waste from construction areas

Do you know?

Amur Falcons, which come to roost every year at Doy-anglake during their flight from Mongolia to South Africa. Amur falcons are the longest travelling raptors in the world. World has recognized Pangti village in Nagaland as the world’s Amur Falcon capital, as more than one million birds can be seen in just 30 minutes. Until recently, Naga tribesmen used to hunt thousands of Amur falcons for meat. But last year, after a vigorous campaign by wildlife activists, they pledged to protect the bird and since then, not a single bird has been hunted in the area.

Four R’s

1. Refuse

♤ Instead of buying new containers from the market, use the ones that are in the house. Refuse to buy new items though you may think they are prettier than the ones you already have.

2. Reuse

♤ Do not throw away the soft drink cans or the bottles; cover them with homemade paper or paint on them and use them as pencil stands or small vases.

3. Recycle

♤ Use shopping bags made of cloth or jute, which can be used over and over again. Segregate your waste to make sure that it is collected and taken for recycling.

4. Reduce

♤ Reduce the generation of unnecessary waste, e.g. carry your own shopping bag when you go to the market and put all your purchases directly into it.