What does high soil fertility typically indicate?

High soil fertility typically indicates a high organic matter content, which is essential for providing nutrients to plants. Organic matter contributes to the soil's ability to retain moisture and nutrients, improves soil structure, and enhances the biological activity within the soil ecosystem. Soils rich in organic matter often have greater microbial activity, which aids in the breakdown of organic materials, releasing essential nutrients that are readily available for plant uptake.

In contrast, excessive pesticide presence can negatively impact soil microorganisms and overall soil health, thereby reducing fertility. Low crop yield potential is generally associated with poor soil conditions, which contrasts the idea of high fertility. Lastly, soil compaction hinders root growth and water infiltration, which can adversely affect crop yield and does not reflect high fertility. Thus, the relationship between high soil fertility and high organic matter content is a fundamental concept in agriculture and soil science.