Meaning of soil fertility

Meaning of soil fertility

Imagine two maize farms in Kaduna. One soil supplies enough nutrients, while the other supplies very little. If other growing conditions are suitable, maize will usually grow better in the soil that supplies enough nutrients.

What soil fertility means

Soil fertility means how well a soil can supply the nutrients that crops need to grow well.

Soil fertility is the ability of the soil to supply essential plant nutrients in adequate amounts and in the right proportions for plant growth.

Simply put, fertile soil provides enough of the different nutrients a crop needs. It should not supply plenty of one nutrient while supplying too little of another.

Understanding the key words

Essential plant nutrients are nutrients that plants must have for normal growth. Examples are nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.

Adequate amounts means enough nutrients to meet the needs of the crop.

Right proportions means a suitable balance of the different nutrients, not equal amounts of every nutrient.

A Nigerian farm example

A vegetable farmer in Ibadan may add well-rotted poultry manure to the soil. As the manure breaks down, it releases nutrients that vegetables such as ugu can take up.

Nutrients must be available

Nutrients must be in forms that plant roots can absorb. A soil may contain nutrients, but crops will not benefit fully if those nutrients are unavailable.

Fertility and crop yield

Soil fertility concerns nutrient supply. Soil productivity concerns the soil’s ability to produce crops. Even fertile soil may give a poor harvest if there is drought, waterlogging or serious pest attack.

Remember this

Fertile soil supplies essential nutrients in enough amounts and in a suitable balance. Crops also need suitable water, air, sunlight and other growing conditions to produce a good harvest.