Which component of soil is primarily responsible for its fertility?

Organic matter plays a critical role in soil fertility primarily due to its ability to enhance nutrient availability, improve soil structure, and retain moisture. Decomposed plant and animal materials contribute essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which are vital for plant growth. Additionally, organic matter increases the cation exchange capacity of the soil, allowing it to hold and supply more nutrients to plants effectively. It also promotes beneficial microbial activity, which further aids in the breakdown of nutrients and enhances soil health overall.

While minerals, water, and air are important components of soil, they do not directly influence fertility to the same degree. Minerals provide nutrients but often require organic matter to be made available to plants. Water is essential for plant growth and nutrient transport, but it does not contribute directly to soil fertility itself. Air is necessary for root respiration and microbial processes but does not influence nutrient content directly. Therefore, organic matter is the key component that ensures soil remains fertile and productive.