mullaviljakuse

Mullaviljakus, or soil fertility, is the capacity of soil to supply plants with the nutrients and water needed for growth. It results from the interaction of chemical properties, physical structure, and biological activity in the soil, as well as management practices that regulate nutrient availability and retention.

Key components of soil fertility include the availability of essential nutrients (macronutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, plus secondary and micronutrients), soil organic matter content, soil texture and structure, pH and buffering capacity, and the soil’s moisture and temperature regimes. Microbial activity, soil fauna, and root-soil interactions also influence nutrient cycling and uptake, making fertility a dynamic property that can change with time and conditions.

Fertility is assessed through a combination of soil testing, plant performance, and, in some cases, tissue analysis. Common indicators are soil pH, nutrient concentrations, cation exchange capacity, base saturation, and the level of soil organic carbon. Because fertility is site-specific, measurements must be interpreted in the context of local climate, crop types, and management history.

Natural factors such as parent material, climate, drainage, and topography set the baseline fertility of a soil, while human practices can enhance or deplete it. Management approaches to maintain or improve mullaviljakus include applying organic matter (compost, manure), green manures and cover crops, balanced mineral fertilization, liming to correct acidity, crop rotation, reduced-tillage practices, and measures to prevent erosion and nutrient loss.

In practice, achieving sustainable soil fertility requires ongoing monitoring and an integrated approach that combines soil science with sound land management to support productive, environmentally responsible agriculture.