Which of these is a soil physical property that influences soil fertility?

Soil texture is a fundamental physical property of soil that significantly influences soil fertility. Texture refers to the relative proportions of different-sized mineral particles in the soil, namely sand, silt, and clay. Each of these particle sizes affects how well the soil can retain moisture, nutrients, and air.

Soil texture impacts the soil's ability to hold water and nutrients, which are essential for plant growth. For example, sandy soils drain quickly and may not retain sufficient nutrients, while clay soils can retain more moisture but may also become compacted, hindering root growth and gas exchange. Loamy soils, which have a balanced mixture of sand, silt, and clay, are typically the most fertile because they combine good drainage with nutrient and moisture retention.

Understanding soil texture helps in selecting the right management practices for crops or trees, ensuring that the soil can adequately support vegetation. This emphasizes the important role of soil texture as a determinant of soil fertility.