SOIL SCIENCE

SOIL FERTILITY AND PRODUCTIVITY

March 25, 2021

Shailesh Tiwari

SOIL FERTILITY AND PRODUCTIVITY

SOIL FERTILITY

It is the ability of soil to sustain plant growth and optimize crop yield
through supplying the nutrients essential for plant growth. Fertility can be
enhanced by adding organic and inorganic fertilizers to the soil.

A fertile soil possesses following properties:

• The ability to supply essential plant nutrients and moisture for plant
growth and development; and
• The absence of toxic substances which may inhibit plant growth.

Soil fertility is mostly related to the factors like–

• Sufficient soil depth for optimum root growth

• Good internal drainage for sufficient aeration,
• Sufficient organic matter for healthy soil structure and moisture
retention,
• Soil pH in the range 5.5 to 7.0 (required for most plants) and
• Essential plant nutrients in available form.

So the soil fertility typically requires the use of soil conservation practices
for maintaining such properties. This is because soil erosion and/or
degradation generally result in a decline in quality with respect to above
mentioned properties.

Keeping in view the above, a fertile soil may not be productive, if physical,
biological properties of soil and other agricultural management practices
are not correct.
SOIL PRODUCTIVITY

Soil productivity includes soil fertility plus the inherent and management
related factors affecting plant growth and development.

It is the capacity of a soil in its normal environment, for producing crops

under a specified management system.

It is obvious that all productive soils are fertile and fertility is one of the
parts of productive soil. Thus, a productive soil is one in which the
chemical, physical, and biological conditions are favorable for plant growth.

Soil productivity is generally measured in terms of inputs versus outputs,

so agronomically, it refers to water and/or nutrient input versus crop yield
(output).

Factors Affecting Soil productivity

• Soil physical properties- Soil structure, texture, porosity, density,

drainage etc.
• Chemical status, including nutrient status and pH, and;
• Biological characteristics- Soil microorganisms.
• Agricultural management practices such as, tillage, fertilization; crop
rotation, irrigation, and drainage can significantly affect soil
productivity by affecting soil nutrients, organic matter and moisture
holding capacity.
• Soil erosion causes loss of soil fertility, loss of soil organic matter,
deterioration of soil structure, and decreased water-supplying
capacity.

KEY DIFFERENCES BETWEEN SOIL FERTILITY & PRODUCTIVITY

SOIL FERTILITY SOIL PRODUCTIVITY

It is an index of available nutrients to

It is measured in terms of crop yield.
plants.

It is an inherent property of soil represents It is not inherent property of soil, but represents
the status of soil. capacity of soil.
 It is the function of available nutrients in It is the function of Soil fertility plus agricultural
the soil. management practices and climates.

The fertility of certain soil remains same

It changes when climate and location are changed.
in all the climatic condition.

It is one of the factors of crop production. It is interaction of all the factors.

All fertile soils are not productive. All productive soils are fertile.

Soil productivity and soil fertility are related but distinct concepts in agriculture.

Soil fertility refers to the ability of a soil to supply essential nutrients to plants. It is a
measure of the soil's nutrient content, pH, organic matter, and other factors that affect the
growth and health of plants. Soil fertility is important for maintaining sustainable
agricultural systems and for producing high-quality crops.

Soil productivity, on the other hand, refers to the ability of a soil to produce crops in terms
of yield and quality. It takes into account not only soil fertility but also other factors such as
soil structure, water-holding capacity, and the presence of beneficial soil microorganisms.
Soil productivity is a measure of the overall potential of a soil to support successful
agriculture.

In general, soil fertility is a prerequisite for soil productivity, but high soil fertility does not
guarantee high soil productivity. Other factors such as climate, management practices, and
the specific crops grown also play important roles in determining soil productivity.

Difference: Soil Fertility and

Productivity | Soil Science
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The upcoming discussion will update you about the difference between
soil fertility and productivity.

Difference # Soil Fertility:

1. It is considered as an index of available nutrient to plants.
2. One of the factors for crop production; the others are water supply
etc.

3. Can be analysed in lab.

4. It is the potential status of the soil to produce crops.

5. Depends upon physical chemical and biological factors of soil.

6. Soil fertility is the function of available nutrients of soil fertility = f

(Nutrient status of Soil).

7. It is an inherent properly of soil.

8. The fertility of a certain soil is same in all the climates.

9. All fertile soils are not productive.

Difference # Soil Productivity:

1. It is a broader term used to indicate crop yields.

2. It is the interaction of all the factors.

3. Can be assessed in the field under particular climate conditions.

4. Resultant of various factors influencing soil management.

5. Depends upon location, fertility, physical conditions etc.

6. Soil productivity is the function of soil fertility, management and

climate.

Soil Productivity = f (Soil fertility + Management + Climate)

7. It is not an inherent property of soil.

8. Soil productivity differs according to the variations in climate and

location.
9. All productive soils are certainly fertile.

Productive soil vs fertile soil: The productivity of the soil is determined by the
inherent qualities of the soil and its ability to provide physical and chemical
conditions necessary for plant growth. The fertility of the soil, on the other hand,
is determined not only by the inherent qualities of the soil but also by the
addition of organic or inorganic materials that are beneficial to plant growth.

Productive soil is rich in organic matter and nutrients, which makes it an ideal
place for plants to grow. Fertile soil, on the other hand, has a high level of
minerals and nutrients, making it an ideal place for plants to grow.

Table of Contents
• Productive soil vs Fertile soil

Productive soil vs Fertile soil

Fertile soil definition: Soil fertility refers to the ability of soil to supply all the
essential nutrients to plants in adequate amounts, available forms, and in suitable
proportions (balance). It is measured in terms of available forms of essential
nutrient elements in the soil at any given time.

Productive soil definition: Soil productivity refers to the ability of soil to

produce crops. Productivity is a broader term that includes fertility as one of the
important factors which contribute towards crop yield. This is not a soil property
alone but the function of several factors like management practices, irrigation,
drainage, plant protection measures, climate, etc. This is measured in terms of
harvests or crop yield in relation to production factors for a specific kind of soil.

All productive soils are must be fertile, but all fertile soils may not be
productive -Explain

A soil may be fertile but may not be productive. For example, saline soil may have
all the essential elements for plant growth but cannot be fertile because of excess
Na-salts, which disturb the balance with other nutrient ions like Ca2+ Mg2+, K+,
etc. But a productive soil is, of course, fertile soil.

Thus soil fertility represents the status of available plant nutrients in the soil while
soil productivity indicates the resultant effect of various factors influencing crop
production, both within and beyond the soil. Soil productivity and soil fertility are
two terms that always create confusion in our minds.

Soil fertility is the status or the inherent capacity of the soil to supply nutrients to
plants in adequate amounts and in suitable proportions. It does not include the
climatic condition and production management of crops.

It is the potential status of the soil to produce crops. It depends upon the
physical, chemical, and biological factors of soil. The fertility of a certain soil is the
same in all climates. It refers only to the status or the inherent capacity of the soil
to supply nutrients to plants in adequate amounts and in suitable proportions.

On the other hand, Soil productivity is the capacity of the soil to produce crops
with specific systems of management (e.g Irrigation, pesticide
application, fertilizer & manure application, weeding, gap filling, thinning,
pruning, etc.) and is expressed in terms of yields. It is a broader term used to
indicate crop yields.

It’s the result of various factors influencing soil management. It can be assessed
in the field under particular climate conditions. It depends upon location, fertility,
physical conditions, etc. It is not an inherent property of soil. Soil productivity
differs according to the variations in climate and location.

All productive soils are must be fertile, but all fertile soils need not be productive.
It may be due to some problems like waterlogging, saline or alkaline condition,
adverse climate, etc.

Under these conditions, crop growth is restricted though the soil has sufficient
amounts of nutrients. We can easily understand these two terms in the following
equation-
 • Soil fertility is the function of available nutrients of soil fertility = f
(Nutrient status of Soil)
• Soil Productivity = f (Soil fertility + Management + Climate)
Above all discussion, we can say that all productive soils are must be fertile, but
all fertile soils may not be productive.

In conclusion, productive soil is able to provide a high yield, while fertile soil is
able to produce a great crop. The main difference between the two is that
productive soil has all of the right ingredients for plant growth, while fertile soil
has the right balance of nutrients.

Productive soil can be created through proper fertilization and irrigation, while
fertile soil can be naturally occurring or man-made. In order to get the most out
of your garden or crop field, it is important to understand the difference between
productive and fertile soil.

Soil Fertility and Productivity

difference
A productive soil must be fertile but a fertile soil may not be
productive_Explain
Soil Fertility and Productivity
Soil fertility refers to the ability of a soil to supply all the essential nutrients to plants in
adequate amounts, available forms and in suitable proportions (balance). It is measured
in terms of available forms of essential nutrient elements in the soil at any given time.
Soil productivity refers to the ability of a soil to produce crops.
Productivity is a broader term that includes fertility as one of the important factors
which contribute towards crop yield. This is not a soil property alone but function of
several factors like management practices, irrigation, drainage, plant protection
measures, climate etc. This is measured in terms of harvests or crop yield in relation to
production factors for a specific kind of soil.
A soil may be fertile but may not be productive. As for example, saline soil may have all
the essential elements for plant growth but cannot be fertile because of excess Na-salts,
which disturb the balance with other nutrient ions like Ca2+ Mg2+, K+ etc. But a
productive soil is, of course, a fertile soil.
Thus soil fertility represents the status of available plant nutrients in soil while soil
productivity indicates the resultant effect of various factors influencing crop production,
both within and beyond the soil.

Soil Fertility
Soil fertility refers to the soil’s ability to support a certain level of
agricultural production. It also includes plant development. Also
includes yield through the presence of favourable chemical, physical, and
biological properties.

• Firstly, Physical properties include texture, structure, porosity,

density, drainage, and soil surface hydrology.

• Secondly, Chemical properties can include the nutritional status

and pH level.

• Thirdly, biological properties may include helpful living organisms

found within the soil. For example mycorrhizae, other fungi, bacteria
and worms.

In fact, Soil fertility is primarily concerned with ensuring that the soil
has an adequate amount of nutrients (both macro and micro) and
water. Additionally, It also involves the absence of undesirable chemicals
that could limit production.

However, various other factors contribute to soil fertility.

Thus, it is critical to examine soil fertility, the soil itself, and what is there
within the soil.
(Also Read- Factors affecting soil fertility)

Soil Productivity
As the name implies, soil productivity refers to the soil’s capacity to
generate whatever you cultivate in it.
More precisely, it is the soil’s capacity to produce a specified level of
agricultural production or to support a specified rate, level, or volume of
plant or crop growth.
For instance, the more overall agricultural product per square metre than
soil on a plot of land can generate, the more productive that soil is.
Additionally, the term “productive soil” could refer to the growth rate or any
other indicator of productivity.
Moreover, Fertile soil is frequently productive, and productive soil is always
fertile.
However, soil fertility may be more concerned with the soil’s chemical,
physical, and biological qualities and properties. And, of course, these
features result in a result (which is the level of productivity).
Besides, Soil productivity may be less concerned with the soil’s
physical properties (although these are obviously necessary for the soil to
be productive). Furthermore, It is more concerned with the end product
that the soil produces, e.g. what is the yield per square meter or total yield
in terms of weight of product produced ?
A Productive Soil Must Be Fertile, But A Fertile Soil May Not Be Productive. Difference
Between Soil Fertility And Soil Productivity

Whenever the discussion of soil fertility and productivity comes , the

statement is important. Let’s discuss it to comprehend the difference
between soil fertility and soil productivity.
basically, Soil fertility is the ability of soil to give plants the nutrients they
need in the right amounts, in the right forms, and at the right time.
Besides, There are different kinds of essential nutrients in the soil at any
given time. Soil fertility is measured in terms of these factors. Likewise,
Soil productivity is how well a soil can grow crops.
Sometimes soil may have nutrients but is not available to crops. Like,
saline soil may have all of the elements that plants need to grow, but it
can’t be fertile because there are too many Na-salts in it. Additionally,
These salts mess with the balance of other nutrients like Ca2+, Mg2+, and
K+. Therefore, in general fertile soil is productive, but that is not the only
thing. So, It may be unproductive too.
Thus soil fertility denotes the status of available plant nutrients in the soil.
In contrast, soil productivity is overall effect of various factors influencing
crop production. It involves both factors both within and beyond the soil.
Factors Affecting Soil Fertility And Productivity
Firstly, Understanding various natural and artificial factors affecting them
helps in a deeper understanding of the difference between soil fertility and
soil productivity.

Factors Affecting Soil Fertility Factors Affecting Soil Productivity

Topography Soil Fertility

Climate Soil/Farm Location

Nutrient status in soil Soil Physical conditions

Cropping System Weather condition

 Soil Microorganisms Insect-Pest and Disease Attack

Difference Between Soil Fertility And Soil Productivity

Following lies the brief Difference between soil fertility and soil productivity
in tabular form.

Parameter Soil Fertility Soil Productivity

General definition Index of available nutrients to plants The broader term used to indicate crop y

One of the factors for crop production; the others are

Factor On the other hand, It is the interaction of
water supply etc.

Precise definition Potential status of the soil to produce crops. Resultant of various factors influencing s

Measurement Can be analyzed in the lab. Can be assessed in the field under particu

Depends upon physical, chemical and biological factors

Factors affecting Whereas it, depends upon location, fertili
of soil.

Soil property It is an inherent property of soil. On the contrary, It is not an inherent prop

In contrast, Soil productivity differs ac

Climate variation The fertility of a certain soil is the same in all climates.
climate and location.

Fertility and
All fertile soils are not productive. But, All productive soils are certainly fer
productivity

(Also Read- Difference between a Farm and Ranch)

 Photo By Jan Kopřiva On Unsplash

Conclusion
Typically fertile soil has properties like providing vital plant nutrients and
moisture to crops. So, It also includes the minimum hazardous chemicals
that may hinder plant growth. Furthermore, Soil conservation methods
usually maintain soil fertility. It is because soil erosion and degradation
often reduce soil quality. Moreover, degradation is in terms of nutrients,
pH, drainage, aeration, etc. Agronomically, Soil productivity refers to water
and nutrient input vs. crop production (output).

Perception of the difference between soil fertility and soil productivity is

vital. It is for a deeper understanding of soil, agriculture, and crop
production indeed. Fertile soil may not be productive. It is due to
improper soil physical, biological, and other agricultural management
approaches.
Consequently, Productive soils are fertile soils, and fertility is part of
productive soil. Thus, Productive soil has a favorable chemical, physical,
and biological conditions for plant growth.