Which factors affect soil fertility?

Soil fertility is largely influenced by a combination of climate, geology, and natural vegetation.

Climate plays a crucial role because factors like temperature and precipitation determine the type of vegetation that can thrive in an area, which in turn affects the organic matter returned to the soil. Warmer climates may promote more biomass, while regions with adequate rainfall support richer plant growth, contributing to soil nutrients.

Geology is significant because the parent material of the soil—what it's made from—affects its mineral content and overall nutrient availability. Different rock types weather into different soils, which can either be nutrient-rich or poor depending on their mineral composition.

Natural vegetation is essential for maintaining soil fertility as well. Plants contribute organic matter through their decay, significantly enhancing soil structure and nutrient content. The specific types of plants in an area can also impact the soil’s chemical makeup, as different plants extract and return different nutrients to the soil.

In summary, the interplay of climate, geology, and natural vegetation creates the foundational conditions necessary for soil fertility by affecting its composition and the nutrients available to support plant growth.