CHAPTER XVI[ToC]
A Fertile Soil
What is a fertile soil?
The expression a fertile soil is often used as meaning a soil that is rich in plant food. In its broader and truer meaning a fertile soil is one in which are found all the conditions necessary to the growth and development of plant roots.
These conditions, as learned in Chapter II, are as follows:
The root must have a firm yet mellow soil.
It must be well supplied with moisture.
It must be well supplied with air.
It must have a certain amount of heat.
It must be supplied with available plant food.
In order to furnish these needs or conditions the soil must possess certain characteristics or properties.
These properties may be grouped under three heads:
Physical properties; the moisture, heat and air conditions needed by the roots.
Biological properties; the work of very minute living organisms in the soil.