Final answer:
Soil fertility is influenced by a range of factors, including climate, organisms, topography, parent material, time, organic matter content, soil management, chemical usage, compaction, and water table fluctuations.
Step-by-step explanation:
There are several factors that can positively and negatively affect soil fertility. Ten of these factors include:
- Climate: Temperature and moisture influence decomposition, nutrient cycling, and biological activity.
- Organisms: The presence of microorganisms, plants, and animals contribute to the formation and fertility of the soil.
- Relief or Topography: The landscape affects drainage, erosion, and the distribution of organic material.
- Parent Material: The mineral composition of the soil's foundational materials impacts fertility.
- Time: Soil quality evolves as soils age and undergo weathering and organic matter accumulation.
- Organic Matter: The decomposition of plant and animal residue contributes to nutrient cycling and soil structure.
- Soil Management: Agricultural practices can enhance or degrade soil structure and nutrient availability.
- Chemical Usage: The application of herbicides or the presence of heavy metals can harm soil health.
- Soil Compaction: Can reduce air and water infiltration, affecting root growth and microbial activity.
- Water Table Changes: Alterations can lead to salinization or waterlogging, influencing plant growth.
These factors dictate the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of soil, ultimately determining its capacity to support plant growth and provide ecosystem services.