What does soil fertility indicate?

Soil fertility specifically refers to the ability of soil to provide essential nutrients that are necessary for plant growth. This encompasses not only the presence of macronutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium but also micronutrients such as iron, magnesium, and calcium. Fertile soil acts as a vital resource for plants, converting these nutrients into forms that can be readily absorbed.

Healthy soil fertility is crucial for agricultural productivity, influencing how well plants grow and their overall health. Factors affecting soil fertility include organic matter content, pH levels, and the soil's biological activity, which all contribute to how effectively nutrients are made available to plants. Understanding soil fertility is fundamental in the fields of agronomy and environmental science, particularly in developing sustainable agricultural practices.