Functions of Soil 1. Soil Bearing Function 2. Filter Function 3. Production Function 4.

Decomposition Function

PROBLEMS OF SOIL IN THE ENVIRONMENT 1. NITRATE Sources: a. Microbial breakdown of organic matter, organic manure and plant residues Fertilizers which add nitrate and that formed by the microbial oxidation of NH4+, from ammonium fertilizers or urea c. Additions from the atmosphere Health Risks: a. Infantile methemoglobinemia
b.

PROBLEMS OF SOIL IN THE ENVIRONMENT 2. EUTROPHICATION OF SURFACE WATERS Sources: a. Nitrate from soil erosion b. Phosphate from fertilizers Effect: a. Algal bloom b. Death of aquatic animals

PROBLEMS OF SOIL IN THE ENVIRONMENT 3. PESTICIDES a. Insecticides: Chlorinated hydrocarbons, aldrin, dieldrin, DDT Organophosphorus: malathion, Carbamate: carbaryl, carbosulfan b. Herbicides c. Fungicides

Effects: a. DDT: highly persistent in the environment Accumulates in fatty and oily tissues of body Toxic to fish and birds

PROBLEMS OF SOIL IN THE ENVIRONMENT 4. SOIL DEGRADATION Causes: a. Erosion b. Acidification c. Salinization d. Accumulation of toxic elements e. Depletion of plant nutrients f. Reduction of soil organic matter content g. Water logging 5. DROUGHT