"Soil fertility refers to the ability of soil to sustain agricultural plant growth, i.e. to provide plant habitat and result in sustained and consistent yields of high quality."
The ability of soil to provide plants with essential nutrients for growth and development, which is influenced by soil pH, organic matter, and nutrient cycling.
"It also refers to the soil's ability to supply plant/crop nutrients in the right quantities and qualities over a sustained period of time."
"The ability to supply essential plant nutrients and water in adequate amounts and proportions for plant growth and reproduction; and the absence of toxic substances which may inhibit plant growth."
"Sufficient soil depth for adequate root growth and water retention; Good internal drainage, allowing sufficient aeration for optimal root growth; Topsoil with sufficient soil organic matter for healthy soil structure and soil moisture retention; Soil pH in the range 5.5 to 7.0; Adequate concentrations of essential plant nutrients in plant-available forms; Presence of a range of microorganisms that support plant growth."
"Good internal drainage, allowing sufficient aeration for optimal root growth."
"Some plants, such as rice, tolerate waterlogging."
"Topsoil with sufficient soil organic matter for healthy soil structure and soil moisture retention."
"Soil pH in the range 5.5 to 7.0 (suitable for most plants but some prefer or tolerate more acid or alkaline conditions)."
"Adequate concentrations of essential plant nutrients in plant-available forms."
"Presence of a range of microorganisms that support plant growth."
"...maintenance of soil fertility typically requires the use of soil conservation practices."
"Soil erosion and other forms of soil degradation generally result in a decline in quality."
"...result in a decline in quality with respect to one or more of the aspects indicated above."
"...to supply plant/crop nutrients in the right quantities and qualities over a sustained period of time."
"...the absence of toxic substances which may inhibit plant growth."
"Sufficient soil depth for adequate root growth and water retention."
"Topsoil with sufficient soil organic matter for healthy soil structure and soil moisture retention."
"Soil pH in the range 5.5 to 7.0 (suitable for most plants but some prefer or tolerate more acid or alkaline conditions)."
"Good internal drainage, allowing sufficient aeration for optimal root growth."
"...maintenance of soil fertility typically requires the use of soil conservation practices."