Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Fertility refers to how well-suited soil or land is for supporting plant growth. It depends on the presence of essential nutrients, organic matter, and other factors that promote healthy plant development.
Related terms
Nutrient cycling: Nutrient cycling refers to the movement and exchange of essential elements between living organisms, soil, water, and air.
Soil pH measures the acidity or alkalinity of soil. Different plants have different pH preferences for optimal growth.
Organic matter: Organic matter consists of decomposed plant and animal materials in various stages of decay found in soil. It improves soil structure, nutrient availability, and water-holding capacity.