What Are the Qualities That Make Soil Fertile?

Nutrients

• A soil that is rich in nutrients will make it fertile and help plants grow to full bloom. Essential nutrients for soil include nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. When the soil is rich in nutrients, it provides plants with the necessary nourishment. If soil is lacking in one of these nutrients, fertilizers are applied that will ensure that the soil has the necessary amounts of optimum fertility.

Minerals

• Fertile soil must also contain sufficient minerals for nutrition and plant growth. These minerals include zinc, manganese, iron, copper, cobalt, chlorine, boron and sulfur. Soil that is high in minerals is able to retain more moisture. Minerals dissolve in water and then are absorbed by the plant's root system. Soil with the proper mineral composition ensures the flavor and nutrition in vegetables, grains and fruits.

Soil pH

• Soil pH determines acidity in the soil, and it will range from 0 to 14. The pH in the soil will affect plant growth, and if the soil doesn't fall into the optimum range, gardeners need to incorporate artificial means to reach the right level. The optimal pH soil fertility is between 5.8 and 6.5.

Topsoil

• Fertile soil also contains a large amount of topsoil, because it contains a large amount of the organic matter and microorganisms that promotes plant growth. Topsoil is the outermost layer of soil, and it's also where a plant's root system is located. The fertility in soil decreases if the topsoil begins to erode or if it is washed away.