How can you identify fertile soil?

Identifying fertile soil is essential for agriculture and understanding land use. One of the key characteristics of fertile soil is its dark topsoil layer, usually rich in organic matter and nutrients. The dark color indicates a high content of decomposed plant and animal material, which not only nourishes crops but also enhances the soil's ability to retain moisture and support microbial life, contributing to overall fertility.

While other characteristics like texture, water retention, and location near rivers can play a role in soil quality, they do not specifically indicate fertility. For example, sandy soil may drain well but lacks the essential nutrients found in dark, organic-rich soil. Similarly, soil that easily retains water may not always be fertile if it lacks the necessary nutrients for plant growth. Soil near rivers can be fertile due to sediment deposition but is not exclusively an indicator of soil fertility on its own. The dark topsoil layer is the most reliable indicator of high fertility levels in soil.