FAO/GSP-UNDP-UNEP Poverty-Environment initiative. Actual soil fertility is the amount of nutrients and moisture derived from the soil by the plants in a given year. Soil fertility also involves organic matter, pH, and moisture and nutrient retention. In Africa, soil fertility depletion and soil degradation present the most serious problems. “The inherent capacity of the soil to supply nutrients to plants in adequate amount and in suitable proportions is called as soil fertility”. For example, at low pH and high pH, phosphorus is Impact of different silvicultural practices on forest soil fertility Effects of tree species change This is a comprehensive definition that covers physical, biological and chemical aspects of soils. Soil fertility may be defined as the ability of soil to provide all essential plant nutrients in available forms and in a suitable balance whereas soil productivity is the resultant of several factors such as soil fertility, good soil management practices availability of water supply and suitable climate. Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia, Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean, Regional Office for the Near East and North Africa. Updated: July 18, 2019. To compensate for this loss, they receive an average of only 10 Kg of mineral fertiliser, compared with a global average of 90 Kg (Spore 1/2). The soil is smooth and of fine quality that holds water better than the sandy soil. Finally, good management of soil fertility can help reduce soil, water and air pollution, regulate water resources availability, support a diverse and active biotic community, increase vegetation cover and allows for carbon neutral footprint. These are called aggregates. Soil fertility is crucial for agricultural productivity and therefore for food security. Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free! Factors Affecting Soil Fertility: ix. Soil fertility is the ability of a soil to sustain plant growth by providing essential plant nutrients and favorable chemical, physical, and biological characteristics as a habitat for plant growth. It can be maintained or increased through several management practices. Save For Later Print. Consider the definition of soil and soil fertility. Moreover, fertility has an impact on activities with an economic impact and is therefore related to economic growth and the fight against poverty. Fertile soil includes beneficial micro-organisms, minerals, and helpful insects such as earthworms that aerate the soil and provide their own manure. One example of fertile soil is the type of soil that is found on the forest floor. The fertility of soil increases if the soil contains more organic matter. You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary. Fertilizers are chemical or natural substance or material that is used to provide nutrients to plants, usually via application to the soil, but also to foliage or through water in rice systems, fertigation or hydroponics or aquaculture operations. Soil organic matter aka humus, is thechief nutrient for plants and the primary source of soil fertility. Organic... xii. The African Green Revolution aims at intensifying agriculture through dissemination of Integrated Soil Fertility Management (ISFM). Soil fertility definition: Land or soil that is fertile is able to support the growth of a large number of strong... | Meaning, pronunciation, translations and examples • Plants require some elements in such minute or smaller amounts that these element have been designated as minor/trace element or Micro nutrient. Soil fertility 20 Soil Structure Soil structure refers to the way individual particles of sand, silt and clay are bound together into larger units called peds.