Question

The effect of fertilizer or manure in continuing to provide plant nutrients usually when at least a year has passed since application is called .......?​

Answer 1

Answer:

Soil fertility refers to the ability of soil to sustain agricultural plant growth, i.e. to provide plant habitat and result in sustained and consistent yields of high quality.[1] A fertile soil has the following properties:[2]

The ability to supply essential plant nutrients and water in adequate amounts and proportions for plant growth and reproduction; and

The absence of toxic substances which may inhibit plant growth.

The following properties contribute to soil fertility in most situations:

Sufficient soil depth for adequate root growth and water retention;

Good internal drainage, allowing sufficient aeration for optimal root growth (although some plants, such as rice, tolerate waterlogging);

Topsoil with sufficient soil organic matter for healthy soil structure and soil moisture retention;

Soil pH in the range 5.5 to 7.0 (suitable for most plants but some prefer or tolerate more acid or alkaline conditions);

Adequate concentrations of essential plant nutrients in plant-available forms;

Presence of a range of microorganisms that support plant growth.

In lands used for agriculture and other human activities, maintenance of soil fertility typically requires the use of soil conservation practices. This is because soil erosion and other forms of soil degradation generally result in a decline in quality with respect to one or more of the aspects indicated above.

A fertilizer (American English) or fertiliser (British English; see spelling differences) is any material of natural or synthetic origin (other than liming materials) that is applied to soil or to plant tissues to supply one or more plant nutrients essential to the growth of plants. Many sources of fertilizer exist, both natural and industrially produced.[1]

In the later half of the 20th century, increased use of nitrogen fertilizers (800% increase between 1961 and 2019) have been a crucial component of the increased productivity of conventional food systems (more than 30% per capita).[2] According to the IPCC Special Report on Climate Change and Land, these practices are key drivers of global warming.[2]