Ground Pollution Effects on Plant Growth

Salinization

• Excess salt is a serious concern when it comes to soil pollution. Salinization is the process of salt being added to the soil, with improper irrigation practices one of the leading causes of this problem. Irrigation with water with an overly high percentage of salt over the long term contributes to salinity. Poor drainage is another leading cause, as water evaporates rather than draining away from the soil. Any salt content present in the water is left behind on the surface, making for poor growing conditions. Salinization makes ground almost completely unfit for plant growth.

Heavy Metal Pollution

• In areas where mining and other industry is prevalent, a variety of heavy metals may be introduced into the soil. Heavy metal pollution disturbs the natural process that takes place when a healthy plant grows. All the healthy bacteria required for the various elemental cycles and organic decomposition are adversely affected by the heavy metals. Heavy metal pollution also disturbs the natural balance of nutrients such as nitrogen and carbon in the soil. The results is grasses, plants and trees unable to grow, or only grow very poorly.

Pesticide Pollution

• Pesticides that build up in the soil affect plant growth in several different ways. If pesticides don't break down in the soil, the fertility of the ground may be adversely affected, creating poor growing conditions. In other cases, the plants may grow, but they may draw pesticides up their root systems and incorporate them into the plant structure, creating plants unsuitable for human or animal consumption due to chemical contamination.

Contaminated Water

• Many types of soil pollution result in contaminated groundwater. This is extremely problematic for plant growth, as most plants depend on water even more than on soil nutrients for overall health. Seepage from landfills, industrial use of lands, acid rain and other factors can contaminate groundwater. This results in poor plant growth, or in the growth of contaminated plants that are not fit for consumption.