Soil Ecological Imbalance

Soil ecology is the study of life in soil in harmony with abiotic factors like air, soil particles, carbonaceous materials etc. In its natural condition, soil has its own equilibrium featured by delicate balance between micro and macro organisms in the form of series of food chains and food webs. Such balances are supported by physical and chemical activities of soil. Invasion of soil surface by fertilizers and pesticides has set imbalances in several food chains between micro and macro organisms (parasite - predator relation) as well as chemical reactions. This has created number of ecological consequences such as:

a) increased erosion of soils - creating loss of surface soil and exposure of unweathered infertile soil.

b) Reduced crop yields.

c) Reduced atmospheric nitrogen fixation.