The nutrient-supplying power or ability of the native soil has decreased due to higher plant productivity levels in association with increasing human population demand for food.
It is therefore necessary to develop and put to use (implement) soil-organic nutrient management approaches that will improve the quality of the soil, water, and enhance its fertility status. Without this, the soil cannot continue to support the food and fibre demand of the increasing population.
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Definition of Soil Fertility in Agriculture
Soil fertility is the level or status of a given soil with respect to its ability to supply the needed nutrients for plant growth. In effect, it is the nutrient-supplying power of the soil.
It is also defined as the quality of nutrients which enables or helps a given soil to make provision of the right nutrients in the right quantity and in the right proportion for the growth of a specific plant or crop when all necessary environmental factors such as temperature, water, pH, and light are adequate and favourable.
Hence, a fertile soil is that which has the power to supply the right amount of nutrients to plants and in the right proportion.
Why Soil Health Is Essential to Agricultural Production
The healthiness of a soil is critical or crucial to the quality of the food that soil can produce and also to the health or wellbeing of those who eat the food produced from it. Below is a diagram to explain the importance of a healthy soil:
Rotation → Human Health → Animal Health → Plant Health → Soil Health → Cover Crops → Compost → Tillage
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Factors Affecting Soil Fertility and Crop Performance
It is necessary to understand the chemical, biological, and physical properties of a soil and their relationship in the soil–plant–atmosphere continuum that controls nutrient availability.
One of the biggest constraints in soil fertility is to develop and implement soil, crop, and nutrient management approaches that improve the quality of the soil, water, and air.
Therefore, the factors that influence soil fertility include those that affect plant growth and development. These factors include:
- pH of soil (soil reaction)
- Climate factor, especially temperature and precipitation (moisture)
- Activities of soil microorganisms
- Soil organic matter content
- Nutrient imbalance
- Light energy (radiant energy)
- Soil type and soil structures
From the discussion in this article, the fertility of the soil deals with mineral nutrient elements of plants and their conditions in the soil.
Hence, the health of the soil plays an important role in the quality of food produced, including the well-being of those who feed on the produce.
In conclusion, soil fertility is the ability of the soil to supply the mineral nutrient elements required by plants for growth.
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