Title: Explain how physical, biological, and chemical factors affect soil fertility.
Course: Biological Applications in Agriculture (18308-I) > Section: Understanding Principles of Water and Soil Quality

Explanation should include

- define soil fertility and soil health
- physical factors
  - soil texture
  - soil structure
  - soil compaction
  - bulk density
  - soil temperature
  - water retention capacity
- biological factors
  - soil organisms (e.g., bacteria, fungi, nematodes)
- chemical factors
  - organic matter content
  - pH
  - nutrient balance
  - mineral composition
- other factors
  - climate
  - erosion
  - land management practices (e.g., crop rotation, cover cropping, no-till farming).

Process/Skill Questions:

- How does the proportion of sand, silt, and clay particles influence the water-holding capacity, aeration, and nutrient availability of the soil?
- How does the arrangement of soil particles into aggregates affect water infiltration, aeration, and root penetration?
- How does soil compaction reduce pore space, hinder root growth, water movement, and aeration?
- How does the mineral composition of the soil influence its ability to retain plant nutrients; thereby affecting plant growth and development?
- How can land management practices enhance soil health and fertility?