Soil Fertility

Definition

Soil fertility refers to the ability of soil to provide essential nutrients to plants and support their growth.

Scientific / Technical Definition

Soil fertility is the quality of a soil that enables it to provide, in adequate amounts and in proper balance, the nutrients required for plant growth. It encompasses the physical, chemical, and biological components of soil, which together create an environment facilitating root development and nutrient uptake.

Benefits

• Supports healthy plant growth and development.
• Ensures sustainable crop yields and food production.
• Enhances the nutritional quality of food grown in fertile soils.

Examples

• Healthy loamy soil in organic farming.
• Nutrient-rich topsoil in a forest ecosystem.

Additional Information

• importance: Maintaining soil fertility is crucial for sustainable agriculture and long-term food production. It helps in preserving biodiversity and mitigating climate change by storing carbon.

Related Terms

• Organic Farming

References

• The Importance of Soil Fertility for Sustainable Agriculture
• Soil Fertility and Maintenance