Introduction

Soil is a vital component of the Earth's lithosphere, supporting biodiversity, regulating water cycles, and serving as a foundation for agriculture. Composed of minerals, organic matter, water, and air, soil provides essential nutrients for plant growth and sustains human and animal life.^[1] However, soil pollution has been a persistent issue throughout history, exacerbated by industrialization, urbanization, and intensive agricultural practices.

Historically, soil pollution was primarily a localized issue, resulting from natural events such as volcanic eruptions and localized human activities like small-scale mining and agriculture and these caused minimal effects to the environment. The landscape of soil pollution changed dramatically with the onset of the Industrial Revolution in the 18th century. This period marked a profound transformation in manufacturing, agriculture, and urbanization.^[2] Soil pollution has significantly increased since the Industrial Revolution due to factors such as extensive coal use, industrial waste discharge, and chemical-based agriculture. These activities have introduced heavy metals, pesticides, and industrial chemicals into the soil, reducing fertility, disrupting ecosystems, and posing severe health risks through direct exposure and the food chain.^[3,4] Contaminated soil also affects water quality by leaching pollutants into groundwater and surface water, contributes to air pollution through airborne soil particles and volatile compounds, and threatens food security by lowering crop yields and contaminating food supplies.^[5] Additionally, soil pollution is linked to various health issues, including acute poisoning, developmental and reproductive disorders, cancer, and other chronic diseases, with vulnerable populations such as children and agricultural workers facing the highest risks.^[6,7]

While modern soil remediation techniques exist, many involve chemicals and advanced technologies that may cause secondary pollution or be too costly for large-scale use. This has led to growing interest in eco-friendly, traditional approaches to soil purification. Anantadi Yoga, an Ayurvedic formulation described in the Sushruta Samhita (Kalpastana), is traditionally believed to remove toxins from contaminated soil. However, despite its historical relevance, scientific studies validating its effectiveness in modern environmental contexts remain limited.

A comprehensive review of classical texts, modern literature, and recent research sources was conducted to gather information on the formulation. The required ingredients were procured from reputable suppliers, authenticated through taxonomic confirmation, and stored properly. Soil samples were collected from ten agricultural and industrial areas of Himachal Pradesh. The formulation was prepared following standard methods at Charak Pharmacy, RGGPG Ayurvedic College and Hospital, Paprola. The analytical study was carried out in the Department of Soil Science, CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur. After the soil purification trial, the results were evaluated to assess the effectiveness of Anantadi Yoga.

Table 2: Showing acceptable limits of Soil

Particle Density

Particle density of soil, defined as the mass of soil particles per unit volume (g/cm³). It depends on the nature of soil constituents. Particle density provides insights into the density of soil particles, which helps guide soil preparation and improvement practices. This includes techniques to enhance soil structure and add materials that boost soil quality. Accurate measurement of particle density is crucial for effective soil management and enhancing agricultural outcomes.^[11]

Bulk Density

Bulk density is the mass of soil (including both particles and pore spaces) per unit volume, typically measured in g/cm³. It is an indicator of soil compaction and porosity. Ideal bulk density values for agricultural soils range from 1.1 to 1.6 g/cm³. Higher bulk density values can reduce root growth, water infiltration, and soil aeration, leading to poor plant growth. Conversely, very low bulk density values can indicate excessive organic matter or soil disturbance.^[12]

This stability suggests that the treatment is non-invasive, preserving the soil’s natural characteristics, which is crucial for agricultural applications. While aiding in detoxification, the remedy maintained the soil’s fundamental properties, ensuring its continued suitability for cultivation.

Effectiveness of Anantadi Yoga on Bulk Density

Table 4: Represent the data on bulk density (g/cm3) of the soil

Graph 1: Shows the variation of bulk density of soil samples before and after treatment

Graph 2: Shows the percentage decrease of Bulk density with time.

The particle density of soil, defined as the mass of soil particles per unit volume (g/cm³), showed mild variations before and after treatment with Anantadi Yoga (Table No. 5, Graph No. 03 and 04). Most soil samples exhibited a gradual reduction in particle density, indicating a loosening of soil particles. This suggests an improvement in soil properties, leading to better aeration and water infiltration. The application of Anantadi Yoga resulted in a noticeable reduction in particle density across most samples, making the soil less compact and more suitable for plant growth. This reduction highlights the formulation’s effectiveness in improving soil structure, particularly in contaminated or compacted soils. The findings suggest that Anantadi Yoga has the potential to enhance soil health, contributing to better water retention and root penetration.

Discussion

The evaluation of physical parameters in this study demonstrated that Anantadi Yoga effectively influenced soil properties without altering its fundamental structure. Soil texture remained unchanged across all samples, indicating that the Ayurvedic remedy preserved the soil’s natural composition, an essential factor for agricultural sustainability. This suggests that the treatment is non-invasive and does not compromise the physical integrity of the soil. Bulk density, a key determinant of soil aeration and water retention, showed a general trend of reduction over 72 hours. This decrease is particularly beneficial for compacted or contaminated soils, as lower bulk density enhances root penetration, improves water infiltration, and supports microbial activity. The reduction in bulk density can be attributed to the detoxifying and antimicrobial properties of Anantadi Yoga, which likely facilitated the loosening of compacted particles. Similarly, particle density exhibited mild variations, with most samples showing a slight reduction after treatment. This trend suggests that the Ayurvedic formulation contributed to a more porous soil structure, further supporting aeration and water movement. The presence of medicinal ingredients, known for their purifying effects, may have played a role in improving soil conditions, making the soil more conducive to plant growth. These findings highlight the potential of Anantadi Yoga as a natural and sustainable approach to enhancing soil health.