Soil is the foundation for terrestrial ecosystem and also a primary basis for agricultural production. On the other hand, soil is a primary sink in the environment for various contaminants due to its strong binding capacity. Sources for soil pollution include dry and wet precipitation from the atmosphere, discharge of wastewaters, sewage irrigation, use of pesticides and fertilizers, sludge amendment, mining, and stacking of solid wastes. When entering soil, the contaminants might have posed adverse effects not only to terrestrial ecosystem but also to human beings due to the transfer via food chain.

China has experienced increasing industrialization, heavy agricultural activities, and rapid urbanization during the past 30 years. Environment management has lagged behind the development of economy, and large amounts of anthropogenic chemicals have entered soil, threatening the safety of terrestrial ecosystem and agricultural production.

To control the hazardous effects of soil pollution, the following knowledge or technology are required; (1) pollution level, profiles, and source of contaminants in soil in a specific area; (2) transfer and transformation of a specific contaminant so as to elucidate its fate and bioavailability besides its toxicity; (3) remediation technology incorporating the removal of contaminants and protecting the soil functions.