fertile

Fertile describes the capacity to generate life, either through offspring or through productive growth of plants and ecosystems. In biology and medicine, fertility refers to the ability of an organism to conceive and bear offspring. In agriculture and soil science, soil fertility denotes the soil's capacity to supply nutrients necessary for crop growth. The term can also be used more broadly to indicate high fecundity or productive potential. Infertility is the lack of these capabilities.

Biological fertility in humans and animals depends on reproductive anatomy, endocrine function, age, health, and lifestyle. Fecundity is the biological potential for reproduction, while actual fertility reflects the chance of conceiving in a given time frame. Infertility is typically defined as the failure to conceive after a year of regular unprotected intercourse, or after six months for individuals over 35; treatment often involves medical evaluation and assisted reproductive technologies.

Soil fertility is influenced by nutrient availability (notably nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and micronutrients), organic matter, soil structure, moisture, drainage, pH, and biological activity. Deficiencies or imbalances can limit crop yields. Management strategies include soil testing, appropriate fertilization, crop rotation, cover crops, tillage practices, liming to adjust pH, and the use of organic amendments such as compost.

In demography, fertility rate measures the average number of children born to a woman over her lifetime, or the total fertility rate for a population. Global trends have shown declines in many developed countries while fertility remains higher in parts of Africa and South Asia. Policies influencing fertility include education, access to contraception and reproductive health services, childcare, and economic incentives or disincentives.