Unearthing the issue: Causes and sources of soil pollution

"Soil pollution" denotes the presence of a chemical or substance that is either misplaced or occurs at a higher-than-normal concentration, exerting adverse effects on the soil (Natalia Rodríguez Eugenio et al., 2018). Soil pollution arises from the introduction of elements that alter the soil's composition hence making it unsuitable for agriculture. Some naturally occurring soil elements can become toxic at specific concentrations, while others enter the soil through human activities like industrial processes, improper waste disposal, mining, and accidental contamination. Soil pollution results from human-made chemicals or other modifications to the natural soil environment (Uddin et al., 2017). It involves the factors leading to a decrease in soil productivity, plant quality, and groundwater integrity (Kuldeep and Dinesh, 2020). The causes of soil pollution include (1) pesticides (2) chemical fertilizers, and (3) air pollutants transported from the atmosphere through rainfall. Many agricultural lands are irrigated with river water contaminated by factory wastewater containing persistent toxic substances that pollute the soil, posing a prolonged threat to soil fertilizers. The primary sources of soil pollution include chemicals that are being utilized in industrial activities or produced as by-products, domestic, livestock, and municipal wastes (including wastewater), agrochemicals, and petroleum-derived products. Soil pollutants also directly impact soil microorganisms, affecting soil biodiversity and the services provided by these organisms. To address this issue effectively, a clear understanding of the concept of soil pollution and its sources is imperative. Implementing control measures is essential to preserve soil fertility and productivity, thereby benefiting the overall health of living beings.