Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Airborne emissions
Greenhouse gases,
particulates, and odors
Agricultural activities—Agro industry
Water, soil, crops and
livestock
Particulate
deposition
Acid precipitation
Solid
waste
Energy production
from methane
Wastewater,
liquid waste,
sludges
Recycling or
disposal
Surface and groundwater contamination
FIGURE 6.1
A summary of some of the major inputs and outputs related to agricultural activities.
stressors originating from these activities will be addressed in the latter part of this topic in
the chapters dealing with the subject of soil contamination, management, and remediation.
The impacts from the agricultural activities depicted in Figure 6.1 that can be miti-
gated and alleviated fall into the category of surface and subsoil contamination. The stressors
responsible for contamination of the surface and subsoil are (a) the various waste dis-
charges into or onto the land surface environment, (b) the various kinds of chemicals used
in pest controls (herbicides, pesticides, etc.) and as fertilizers, (c) airborne emissions from
the operation of machinery and other devices in the various operations and activities, and
(d) deposition of noxious airborne particulates onto the land surface.
6.2 Land Use for Food Production
Soil is a natural resource material and is considered a geoenvironment natural capital.
Agricultural soil has a balance of inorganic and organic components. Both climate and the
environment control the value of the soil. Factors such as water content, soil type (compo-
sition), soil thickness, salt content, and other physical, chemical, and biological properties
are important determinants of soil quality. In regions where winters and cold tempera-
tures are factors, the presence or absence of permafrost will also contribute to soil value.
The combination of physical, chemical, and biological agro-aids, climate, soil management,
and technology has rendered the soils in Europe and North and Central America favorable
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