Soil pollution is an emerging issue especially the use of agrochemicals (fertilizer and pesticides) and plastic mulch in commercial vegetable growing areas of Nepal. This study will focus on soil pollutants, including pesticide residues, heavy metals, and microplastics that pose environmental threats and health risks. Their negative effects exacerbate yield loss, reduce soil biodiversity, and contribute to desertification. The study aims to identify pollution hotspots, understand the leading causes, and propose remedial measures. The findings will benefit local governments in formulating policies to manage soil pollution. Farmers, who face direct exposure to pollutants, will also gain from alternative pollution management strategies. Additionally, the study will provide an overview of soil pollutants in Nepal’s major vegetable-growing areas. Farmers who are directly exposed to soil pollutants will benefit from alternative pollution management recommendations. Their health, impacted by soil pollution, stands to improve. The study will focus on major commercial vegetable growing areas in Nepal. By creating a comprehensive overview of soil pollutants, it aims to contribute significantly to soil pollution management. In summary, this study is crucial for understanding and addressing soil pollution in Nepal, particularly in vegetable-growing regions. Its findings will inform policies, protect farmers’ health, and promote sustainable soil management practices.
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