Soil and Soil Pollution: Definition of Soil, Constituents of Soil, Factors Affecting Soil Formation
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Introduction to Soil
The fine particles covering the outer layer of the earth are called soil.
It is also an abiotic component.
It is a mixture of organic matter, minerals, gases, liquids along with other organisms supporting life.
Pedosphere
It is the outermost layer of the Earth composed of soil.
It exists at the interface of the lithosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere.
Four major functions:
It works as a medium for plant growth.
It works as a habitat for organisms.
As a modifier of Earth’s atmosphere.
Also, as a means of water storage, supply, and purification.
Constituents of Soil
Rocks
Minerals
Water
Air
Humas (remains of dead plants and animals)
Some of the common minerals found in soil are:
Iron
Potassium
Calcium
Sulphur
Formation of Soils
It is formed from huge rocks and minerals.
The breaking down of rocks and minerals over thousands of years resulted in the formation of the fine particles of soil.
These rocks are known as the parent rocks and the process is known as weathering i.e. the breaking down or dissolving of rocks and minerals on Earth’s surface.
Weathering of rocks includes processes
Physical
Chemical
Biological

Soil Formation
Factors Affecting the Formation of Soil
Sun
Weathering starts due to the uneven expansion and contraction, which eventually cracks the rocks.
It is due to the hot and cool temperatures during the day and night that causes contraction and expansion.
Wind
It helps in transfer of soil from one place to another.
Wind causes one rock to strike against the other.
The rock gets weared down into small pieces due to continuous collisions.
Water
This widens the cracks and breaks them further.
Erosion occurs due to the heavy water flowing carries smaller rocks colliding with the other rocks.
Soil Pollution
The fertility of the soil has been spoiled or degraded due to the use of fertilizers and other chemicals.
The contamination of soil with anomalous concentrations of toxic substances is called soil pollution.
Soil pollution causes infertility by killing micro- and micro-organisms in the soil.
The nutrient level has also decreased.
The number of barren lands was also raised.
Causes of Soil Pollution
Excessive use of pesticides
Excessive industrial activity
Poor disposal of waste
Road debris
Intensive farming
Mining activities
Ammunitions, chemical agents, other agents of war.
Electronic waste
Preventive Measures for Soil Pollution
Excavating soil and taking it to a disposal site away from ready pathways for human or sensitive ecosystem contact.
Containment of the soil contaminants such as by capping or paving over in place.
Using fungus to metabolize contaminants and accumulate heavy metals.
Aeration of soils at the contaminated site.
FAQs
Q 1. What are the common minerals found in soil?
Answer: Some of the common minerals found in the soil are Iron. Potassium, Calcium, Sulphur.
Q 2. What are the causes of Soil Pollution?
Answer: There are many causes of Soil Pollution namely Excessive use of pesticides, Poor disposal of waste, Intensive farming, Electronic waste, Ammunitions, chemical agents, other agents of war, etc.