Most soils usually
contain all the essential plant nutrient elements required by plants for
productivity but still unproductive. For instance, arid or desert soil may
contain all the essential nutrient elements required by plants for productivity
but still, it cannot produce crops because of limited moisture or moisture
deficit. Such soil has the potential to produce crop, it is termed a fertile
soil. Thus the potential of soil to produce crop is termed soil fertility. Until
the potential features are properly converted into forms available and useable by
plants, it cannot be productive. Therefore, if the desert soil is supplied with
normal water or moisture required by plants, such soil can produce crop.
Productivity
of soil is the ability or capacity of the soil to produce plant. Soil productivity
is not only influenced by the soil but by the totality of the environment. Therefore,
for a soil to be productive there must be some favorable environmental
conditions as well as good soil fertility that must be positively combined. Apart
from soil, other factors that affect the growth of crops and hence soil
productivity include climate, radiant energy, composition of air, aerial atmosphere
and biotic factors must be in favorable condition.
Finally, the
important of soil properties to soil productivity varies according to the other
environmental conditions associated with it. However, with the links in other
environmental factors, it is possible to assess the contribution of soil to the
productive potential of land. Most soil properties are of general importance
whilst for others, qualifications can be made with respect to the related
conditions.
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