ABSTRACT
The relationship of soil, environment and society is intimate and depends on soil quality and its management. A fundamental knowledge of soil science is prerequisite to meeting the natural resource challenges that will face humanity in the 21st century. The two approaches namely, pedological and edaphological approaches can be used in studying soils. Soil fertility and plant nutrition are two closely related subjects that emphasize the forms and availability of nutrients in soils, their movement in the soil and their uptake by roots. Soil fertility also can be readily altered by the application of soil amendments and nutrients etc. Knowledge of soil fertility is important for the development of soil management systems that produce profitable crop yields while maintaining soil sustainability and environmental quality. A mature soil is one that has reached the full development to be expected under existing biological and weathering processes. Plant obtains mineral nutrients through root uptake from the soil.
