AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Crops need nutrients just like people do. A fertile soil will contain all the major nutrients for basic plant nutrition (e.g., nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium), as well as other nutrients needed in smaller quantities (e.g., calcium, magnesium, sulfur, iron, zinc, copper, boron, molybdenum, nickel).

Detailed explanation-2: -Porous loamy soils are the richest of all, laced with organic matter which retains water and provides the nutrients needed by crops. Sand and clay soils tend to have less organic matter and have drainage problems: sand is very porous and clay is impermeable.

Detailed explanation-3: -Loamy-textured soils are commonly described as medium textured with functionally-equal contributions of sand, silt, and clay. These medium-textured soils are often considered ideal for agriculture as they are easily cultivated by farmers and can be highly productive for crop growth.

Detailed explanation-4: -In conclusion, productive soil is able to provide a high yield, while fertile soil is able to produce a great crop. The main difference between the two is that productive soil has all of the right ingredients for plant growth, while fertile soil has the right balance of nutrients.