What is meant by soil fertility?

Soil fertility refers specifically to the soil's ability to provide essential nutrients that are necessary for plant growth. Fertile soil contains a balanced mix of macronutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, as well as micronutrients like iron, manganese, and copper, which plants require in smaller quantities. A soil’s overall fertility is crucial for supporting crop yield and healthy vegetation since plants rely on these nutrients to develop properly and perform vital functions such as photosynthesis and respiration.

While the ability to retain water, soil texture and structure, and susceptibility to erosion are important characteristics of soil, they do not directly define soil fertility. Water retention is vital for helping plants access nutrients, and good soil structure can enhance aeration and drainage, but these factors alone do not describe the nutrient-providing capacity of the soil. Understanding soil fertility is essential for agriculture, land management, and environmental sustainability, as it directly impacts plant productivity.