Fumes may linger in soil pores and can be released when the soil is disturbed. Storage tank leaks and spillage during handling may result in soil contamination. Some petroleum products are volatile which results in them being lost to the air easily. They may restrict the growth of plants. Petroleum products that are loosely bound to soil can easily be washed or leached into surface water or groundwater.
Compaction decreases soil porosity, destroying soil structure and aggregate characteristics.
This reduces the movement of water, air, nutrients, and soil microbes through the soil. Cover cropping and incorporation of organic matter in the form of mulches, compost, or manure help to prevent soil compaction and may restore compacted soils. Erosion due to water may occur if rainfall or irrigation leads to surface runoff. Erosion due to wind is possible if lighter, sandy soils are allowed to remain bare for extended periods. This chemical, which comes from urine, fertilizer, or compost, is highly toxic to fish.