If the soil pollution is not checked, the environment will suffer and life as we know it, may come to a grinding halt

Soil and water are the essential components that sustain life, including that of humans, on our planet. Soil is the medium on which all types of living organisms are maintained. Every religion that has evolved with us has highlighted the importance of soil. The Vedic civilization held the soil in the highest regard as Mother Earth. The prayer to Prithvi, the Earth, is invoked in the Atharva Veda: "Let what I unearth from thee, O Earth, sprout and develop once more in a swift manner." The veneration of vegetation, trees, animals, and soils is exclusive to India. Consequently, it discourages the application of harsh chemicals and pesticides, as they may inadvertently cause harm to the beneficial nutrients and living microorganisms inside the soil. The Earth teems with biodiversity and is the foundation for all living organisms. Earth is where plants, trees, animals, and even soils are revered. Unfortunately, the present generation is doing more harm to the lifeline of our species. We have done enough damage to the soil by focussing on development and ascetics. The fertile agricultural lands pay way to flats and gardens with exotic plants.

Soil is a fundamental resource for agriculture, providing essential nutrients and a medium for plant growth. Erosion, loss of topsoil, and degradation can significantly reduce soil fertility, leading to decreased crop yields. The cycling of nutrients in the soil is critical for the health and productivity of plants. Soil is home to various microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and protozoa. Unfortunately, these microbes are destroyed by chemical fertilizers, weedicides and pesticides. The health of soil and water is interlinked. Pollution caused by anthropogenic activities ultimately reaches the soil through water. We take soil for granted. We dispose of solid waste, plastics, and toxic chemicals in the soil. We burn our solid waste on its surface without concern for its rich biodiversity.

 The ecological impact of soil pollution incurs significantly higher costs. It is imperative to refrain from using contaminated soil for agricultural purposes, as the chemicals can seep into the crops, harming consumers. Utilizing polluted soil for crop cultivation typically leads to lower yields than uncontaminated soil, exacerbating the issue by causing additional erosion due to a lack of plant cover, thereby transferring toxins to previously uncontaminated areas.

Addressing soil pollution is crucial for the long-term health of ecosystems, agricultural sustainability, and human well-being. Sustainable land management practices and a collective effort to reduce pollution sources are essential for mitigating the impacts of soil pollution. Healthy soils act as carbon sinks, sequestering carbon and mitigating the impacts of climate change.  The fundamental meaning of the term "nature" is closely connected to notions such as natal, nativity, and native, indicating that anything that is born and destined to die is intrinsically natural. Understanding this interdependence demonstrates that nature and mankind are inseparable. Hence, our interactions with nature have a direct influence on our own well-being. Our connection with nature is based on mutual reliance. It has been argued that the unrelenting destruction of rainforests and deciduous forests is justifiable to expand the amount of land used for agricultural purposes. Similarly, transforming agricultural lands into commercial areas is justifiable in the name of development. Our ignorance prevents us from seeing that even if we were to emerge victorious in this conflict, we would still be on the losing side. Our idea that the job of nature is to run the motor of our economy is the driving force behind this war against nature, which we intend to wage. The economy is an owned subsidiary of ecology.

(The Writer is an adjunct faculty at the National Institute of Advanced Studies, Bangalore, views are personal)