Soil fertility
Soil fertility is the capacity to support plant growth and yield.
Soil fertility refers to the ability of soil to sustain agricultural plant growth, providing plant habitat and resulting in sustained and consistent yields of high quality. A fertile soil supplies essential plant nutrients and water in adequate amounts, lacks toxic substances, and possesses properties such as sufficient depth, good drainage, organic matter, suitable pH, and beneficial microorganisms.
- definition
- Ability of soil to sustain agricultural plant growth
- key_properties
- Nutrient supply, absence of toxins, depth, drainage, organic matter, pH 5.5-7.0, microorganisms
- common_deficiencies
- Bioavailable phosphorus, nitrogen, potassium
- major_threats
- Soil erosion, over-tillage, overuse of nutrient inputs, salinization
- colonial_impacts
- Intensive burning, deforestation, free-ranging livestock, erosion
Lore & Background
Soil fertility involves the constant cycling of nutrients between organic and inorganic forms. Microorganisms decompose plant material and animal wastes, releasing inorganic nutrients through mineralization, while also competing with plants for nutrients through immobilization. Natural processes like lightning fix atmospheric nitrogen, and bacteria perform nitrogen fixation and denitrification. Cation exchange holds nutrient cations like potassium in the soil.
Reader's Guide
Soil fertility is a complex process essential for agriculture, but it is threatened by human activities. Colonial practices such as intensive burning, deforestation, and free-ranging livestock led to long-lasting soil degradation. Modern intensive farming and overuse of inorganic fertilizers disrupt nutrient balance, reduce organic matter, and increase erosion. Soil conservation practices are necessary to maintain fertility, and alternatives like biochar and food waste compost offer benefits. The legacy of soil depletion continues to affect global land quality and food production.
Did You Know?
- Bioavailable phosphorus is the element most often lacking in soil, especially in humid tropical soils.
- Inorganic fertilizers are immediately bioavailable but can disrupt soil nutrient balance and cause water pollution.
- Soil depletion can result from over-tillage, overuse of nutrient inputs, and salinization.
- Colonial settlers in New England depleted soils by allowing herd animals to wander freely and burning forest undergrowth.
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