I have already started the paper but I need them to add more body AND REFERENCES to it based on this information: PAPER TOPIC: Soil Pollution and degradation in Nigeria RELATED CONCEPTS Temperature,
Introduction
Soil pollution and degradation in Nigeria have emerged as significant environmental challenges, directly attributed to land use changes driven by agricultural practices, urbanization, and industrialization.
Intensive agricultural practices, to increase food production in Nigeria often lead to overgrazing, deforestation, and the misuse of chemicals, which lead to soil degradation. Apart from soil degradation, the rapid expansion of cities caused by urbanization increases the loss of arable land as they are converted into residential and commercial properties. The industrial activities that follow urbanization particularly those that discharge pollutants into the soil further diminish its quality and utility.
These changes have adverse effects on the country’s ecology, economic stability, and public health. The soil quality alteration reduces agricultural productivity and water quality. These effects are felt most by rural and urban communities that depend on land for agriculture, residence, and economic activities.
For farmers, degraded soil translates results in declined crop yields, increased vulnerability to plant diseases, and costs due to the need for more fertilizers and pesticides. On the other hand, urban populations face challenges related to food security, increased flooding, and health issues due to contaminated water. On a tertiary level, the environmental degradation that occurs contributes to climate change, intensifying the frequency and severity of natural disasters such as floods and droughts, which in turn, lead to displacement, economic loss, and further land degradation.
Implications of Social Degradation on Physical Geography
We are in an era where environmental sustainability is a major global concern. Considering this, the degradation and pollution of soil in Nigeria presents is an environmental concern that cuts across various concepts in this course. The issue is explored in the context of Temperature, Moisture & Precipitation; Weather, Climate and Climate Change; Global Soils and Sustainability in the Modern World. This essay aims to explore how these factors influence the ongoing soil degradation and pollution crisis in Nigeria, reflecting on lessons from relevant chapters and modules.
Temperature, Moisture and Precipitation
Chapter 3 of our explores the concepts of temperature, moisture, and precipitation. In Nigeria, varying climate zones from the arid north to the humid south mean that soil degradation takes multiple forms, influenced by these climatic factors. Increased temperature speeds up the evaporation of soil moisture, leading to loss of soil fertility in arid and semi-arid regions. Altered precipitation patterns, either excessive rainfall or prolonged dry spells, contribute to soil issues. Excessive rainfall can lead to soil erosion and nutrient leaching, while insufficient rainfall results in drought conditions, further stressing the soil ecosystem. The degradation of soil in Nigeria cannot be decoupled from these temperature and precipitation dynamics, as they directly impact soil moisture content—a critical component for soil health and agricultural productivity.
Weather, Climate and Change
In Nigeria, Climate change has led to increased variability in rainfall and temperatures, contributing to both drought and flooding risks. Drought conditions facilitate soil degradation through moisture loss, while floods can lead to the erosion of fertile topsoil and contamination with industrial and urban pollutants. Mitigating the impacts of climate requires reducing greenhouse gas emissions, alongside adaptation measures that enhance the resilience of soil ecosystems to climate variability.
Global Soils
Nigeria's soils range from the rich, volcanic soils in the Jos Plateau to the sandy soils of the Sahel and the nutrient-poor soils in the coastal regions. Each soil type has its unique challenges and vulnerabilities to degradation and pollution. Understanding the global context of soil types and their specific vulnerabilities allows for tailored conservation strategies.
Sustainability in the Modern World
The concept of sustainability is central to addressing the challenges of soil degradation and pollution. In the Nigeria, sustainable land use practices are crucial to reversing the current trends of soil mismanagement. This involves adopting sustainable agricultural practices, such as crop rotation, cover cropping, and the minimization of chemical inputs. It also involves urban planning that considers the preservation of green spaces. Implementing sustainable practices requires a multi-stakeholder approach that includes government policy, community engagement, and the adoption of innovative technologies designed to preserve soil resources for future generations.
Solutions
Of several organizations actively involved in environmental conservation and sustainable agriculture in Nigeria, these are two that are notable.
The Nigerian Federal Ministry of Environment. This organization is focused on environmental policy and regulation through governance and policy. The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA). This organization is focused on agricultural innovation and sustainability through research and development, offering sustainable agricultural practices and technologies to combat soil degradation. In addition to the work of these organizations, other solutions to the problem of soil degradation in Nigeria would be agroforestry, contour farming and cover cropping.
Summary
Engaging in this research was enlightening, underscoring the interconnectedness of human activities and environmental health. It revealed the complexity of environmental issues and the necessity of multidisciplinary approaches to foster sustainability. The learning emphasized the importance of informed policymaking and community-based action to mitigate soil degradation, a knowledge that is invaluable for future environmental challenges and their resolutions.
The research addresses the severe problem of soil degradation in Nigeria, exacerbated by intensive agricultural practices, urbanization, and industrialization. These activities compromise soil health, impacting agriculture, ecology, and public health. To resolve this, sustainable land management, like agroforestry, contour farming, and cover cropping, have been proposed. Effective implementation could lead to improved soil fertility, reduced erosion, and better crop yields. If unaddressed, the problem may worsen due to ongoing practices and climate change.
References
Akolade, Ganikale, and Fadlullah ISSA. “Land Management Practices and Sustainable Agricultural Commercialization in Lagos State, Nigeria.” Academia.Edu, 15 Dec. 2016, www.academia.edu/30462145/Land_Management_Practices_and_Sustainable_Agricultural_Commercialization_in_Lagos_State_Nigeria.
Alegre J. C., Carsel D. K., and Makarim M. K. (1987), ‘Strategies for reclamation of degraded lands: Tropical land clearing for sustainable agriculture’, in Proceedings of an International Board of Soil Resources and Management, Bangkok, pp 77–91.
Kumar, P., Singh, A., & Mishra, S. (2022).Soil Pollution and Agriculture in sub-Saharan Africa: State of the Knowledge and remediation technologies. Frontiers in Environmental Science, 10, Article 1101944. https://doi.org/10.3389/fsoil.2022.1101944
Ladan, Suleiman. (2004). THE PHENOMENON OF LAND DEGRADATION IN NIGERIA: A REVIEW OF EFFECTS AND CURRENT SOLUTIONS. NAMODA TECH-SCOPE JOURNAL. 6. 390-399.
Seiyaboh, E. I., & Izah, S. C. (2019). Impacts of Soil Pollution on Air Quality under Nigerian Setting. Journal of Soil and Water Science, 3(1), 45-45. https://scholars.direct/Articles/soil-and-water-science/jsws-3-006.php?jid=soil-and-water-science
39), babatunde001, and steemitboard (66). “Critical Examination of Nigeria Soil Types.” Steemit, steemit.com/stemng/@babatunde001/critical-examination-of-nigeria-soil-types. Accessed 11 Mar. 2024.
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