Which of the following statements is/are true about the relationship between soil fertility and nutrient cycling?

Statement A: Nutrient cycling refers to the continuous movement and transformation of nutrients between the soil, plants, and the broader ecosystem.

Statement B: High soil fertility always indicates efficient nutrient cycling and vice versa.

Statement C: Sustainable soil management practices can enhance nutrient cycling and improve soil fertility over time.

Solution

Nutrient cycling is a vital process in which nutrients are continually cycled between the soil, plants, and the broader ecosystem. It involves processes such as nutrient uptake by plants, decomposition of organic matter, mineralization, immobilization, leaching, and volatilization. This cycling ensures the availability and sustainability of essential nutrients for plant growth. While high soil fertility can often be associated with efficient nutrient cycling, the relationship is not always linear. Other factors, such as nutrient inputs, soil properties, and management practices, can also influence soil fertility. It is possible to have high soil fertility with inefficient nutrient cycling, or vice versa. Sustainable soil management practices, such as crop rotation, cover cropping, reduced tillage, and organic matter additions, can enhance nutrient cycling in the soil. These practices promote the decomposition of organic matter, improve soil structure, increase microbial activity, and optimize nutrient availability for plants. Over time, improved nutrient cycling contributes to enhanced soil fertility and overall soil health.