I often hear that soil types have an inherent fertility.
They are often compared : "this soil type is very fertile, while this one is less"...
However, it seems to me that local conditions may greatly influence the fertility of a given soil.
On what basis do we judge the fertility of soils on the "type" level?
One of the main factors used to assess fertility of soils is its microbial diversity and the quantity of each beneficial microorganism. So this can be the first step. Then you can look at the available nutrient content in top soil, lets say first 15 cm. Assessing the quantites and form of nutrients present. There are also many other factors that you can look at such as pH, CEC, OM ontent. CEC for example, will identify that soils ability to hold specific nutrients.
Vertisols are far more fertile than Andosols, therefore , soil fertility limits will be far more higher in Vertisols..
- Badges
- Science topic
- Similar topics
- Agriculture
- Soil Science