What is soil fertility?

Soil fertility refers to the ability of soil to support plant growth, which encompasses the availability of essential nutrients, water, and a suitable physical structure that promotes healthy root development. This definition encompasses the overall health and productivity of the soil, enabling plants to access the resources necessary for growth and development.

While soil quality related to erosion, pH levels, and organic matter are important factors in assessing soil health, they all contribute to, but do not define, soil fertility itself. In essence, the core of soil fertility lies in its capacity to sustain and enhance plant life, making it the critical aspect of soil that gardeners and farmers focus on to achieve successful crop yields.