Sustainable Soil Management: Preventing Future Contamination

One of our most valuable and vital resources is soil; it enables us to grow food, and it supports this with water filtration, carbon storage, and biodiversity. It’s a kind of environmental underdog – often overlooked and undervalued, especially when we’re thinking about sustainability.

Soil contamination has been happening for years, and the decline in soil health can be down to several factors: unsustainable land use, industrial pollution, and poor agricultural practices.

At Provectus, we’re keen to lead the way in helping to preserve and restore soil health with sustainable soil management and remediation.

This term refers to the use of soil in ways that maintain or are good for its quality, fertility, and biodiversity without compromising its health or interfering with its ecosystem. This applies to a range of practices which aim to protect soils from pollution, erosion, salinisation, and loss of nutrients.

These practices need to be upheld by a range of different sectors including responsible land use planning, organic farming, crop rotation, tillage, composting, and a reduction in anthropogenic substances released into the soil, like fertilisers and pesticides.

Soil contamination is caused by harmful substances, such as, heavy metals, petroleum products, asbestos, pesticides, and industrial chemicals enter the soil. Some are historic, some are accidental, but what we know is the problem will continue to grow unless we act now.

Pollutants can come from various sources including:

• Agricultural run off – This is when excess fertilisers and pesticides seep into the soil and groundwater.
• Industrial activities – Illegal or improper disposal of chemicals and waste can contaminate large areas of land.
• Urban development – Construction and road runoff bring pollutants such as hydrocarbons and metals into soils.
• Waste mismanagement – Landfills and illegal dumping have all contributed to long-term soil degradation.

Contaminated soils have a detrimental effect of agricultural productivity and pose health risks to humans and wildlife. Not only do pollutants affect water quality and disrupt local ecosystems, but they can enter the food chain too.

The only way to prevent future contamination is by adopting a proactive, systems-based approach to soil use and its care. Some of the most effective strategies for sustainable soil management are:

Soil testing and monitoring

Soil testing helps to assess early signs of contamination. By finding out about a soil’s chemical, physical, and biological composition, landowners and managers can make clear decisions about the appropriate measures to implement, and any remedial actions required.

Provectus offers soil testing services to assess pH levels, inorganic content and concentrations of heavy metals, hydrocarbons, asbestos, and associated inorganic substances based upon the site history and organic matter. The data from these diagnostics tests are required to establish the most cost effective soil management plans.

Erosion Control

Bare soil is more vulnerable to erosion and contamination, so keeping land covered with vegetation protects against wind and water erosion. This also helps regulate moisture, reduce compaction and support microbial life.

Seeding and revegetation of soils as part of our restoration work can help maintain healthy soils, increase biodiversity, and prevent erosion.

Soil Recovery

For soils where there is already contamination, sustainable remediation methods like physical treatments (soil washing, enhanced segregation) or bioremediation (where microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi, are used to break down or transform pollutants into less harmful substances or even harmless forms like carbon dioxide and water) are an eco-friendly solution.

These soil treatment methods are far more cost effective and are less harmful to the environment in the long term than the use of hazardous landfill. The treatment allows the beneficial reuse of soil rather than being lost into a hazardous landfill.

At Provectus, we are committed to being part of the solution. Our team of soil scientists, environmental consultants, and sustainability experts work with clients across construction, industry, and local government to sustainably manage soils as well as protecting and enhancing soil health.

Our services include:

• Fixed Soil Treatment Facilities (STF’s) – Nationwide coverage

• Site visits, soil sampling and laboratory analysis

• Environmental impact assessments

• Site investigations and risk assessments

• Remediation design and implementation

• Sustainable land use planning and permitting support

• Educational workshops and training sessions

We believe that healthy soils are the foundation of a healthy planet. By providing evidence-based solutions and expert guidance, we help our clients not only meet regulatory compliance but also become champions of environmental responsibility.

Sustainable soil management is no longer optional – it’s essential. With climate change, population growth, and ecological degradation, the way we treat our soils will shape the planet's future.

As leaders in soil sustainability, Provectus is here to guide and support every client we serve in the hope that we can protect one of our most precious resources, and ensure that our soils stay fertile, clean, and productive for future generations.