Urban Soil Health Check and Strategies for Monitoring and Improvement

Abstract

Urban soil health is crucial for sustaining healthy ecosystems, supporting urban agriculture, and enhancing overall environmental quality in densely populated areas. This article provides an overview of the importance of urban soil health monitoring and strategies for its improvement. Firstly, it highlights the diverse array of contaminants that urban soils may harbour due to industrial activities, vehicular emissions, and improper waste disposal. These contaminants can pose risks to human health and ecosystem functioning if left unaddressed. Secondly, the article discusses the importance of implementing effective monitoring protocols to assess soil health indicators such as nutrient levels, pH, and organic matter content, and contaminant concentrations. By utilizing soil testing kits, remote sensing technologies, and citizen science initiatives, urban residents and policymakers can gain valuable insights into the health status of urban soils. Finally, the abstract explores strategies for improving urban soil health, including soil remediation techniques such as phytoremediation, composting, and bio char application. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of adopting sustainable land management practices, such as green infrastructure development, urban forestry, and community gardens, to enhance soil health and promote urban resilience. Overall, this abstract underscores the importance of proactive soil health management in urban areas and highlights the diverse strategies available for monitoring and improving urban soil quality.