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2025-10-15
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Copyright (c) 2025 Mohammed Zuhair, Hussain Essam Eldeen Mohammed, Raad Ta’ma Awad Bajjay, Jaafer Kadhem Jasim, Hamza Aljebouri

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How to Cite
Regulatory approaches to soil contamination and agricultural sustainability
Mohammed Zuhair
Al-Turath University, Baghdad 10013, Iraq
Hussain Essam Eldeen Mohammed
Al-Mansour University College, Baghdad 10067, Iraq
Raad Ta’ma Awad Bajjay
Al-Mamoon University College, Baghdad 10012, Iraq
Jaafer Kadhem Jasim
Al-Rafidain University College, Baghdad 10064, Iraq
Hamza Aljebouri
Madenat Alelem University College, Baghdad 10006, Iraq
DOI: https://doi.org/10.59429/esp.v10i9.3949
Keywords: Soil contamination; heavy metals; nutrient imbalance; pesticide residues; phytoremediation; soil health indicators; environmental governance; regulatory frameworks; soil governance; sustainable agriculture
Abstract
Soil contamination poses a serious threat to agricultural sustainability, driven by heavy metals, pesticide residues, nutrient imbalances, and weak governance. Despite extensive research on soil degradation, few studies have systematically integrated scientific diagnostics with regulatory evaluation. This study addresses that gap by combining composite indices—Contaminant Load Index (CLI), Weighted Residue Risk Index (WRRI), Nutrient Deviation Score (NDS), and Adjusted Cation Exchange Capacity (ACE) with a Multi-Criteria Regulatory Score (MCRS) to assess both ecological and institutional dimensions of soil health. Data were collected from ten major agricultural regions, using stratified sampling and validated laboratory methods, and supported by enforcement records. Results reveal that contamination hotspots align with industrial proximity, intensive agrochemical use, and weak regulatory enforcement, while regions with higher MCRS values showed healthier soil indicators. Field validation demonstrated that integrated remediation strategies, combining phytoremediation and organic amendments, significantly reduced contaminant loads and improved fertility, highlighting the feasibility of cost-effective, nature-based solutions. By integrating diagnostics with governance, this study significantly deepens our theoretical understanding of soil sustainability and delivers tangible tools for prioritizing interventions and shaping regulatory frameworks. The results highlight that soil remediation is not solely a technical matter; it is also shaped by ecological and institutional dynamics. Ultimately, the framework proposed here is highly relevant for policymakers aiming to safeguard soil health and bolster agricultural resilience, particularly in regions grappling with similar environmental and governance challenges.
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