Soil fertility is a key factor in ensuring sustainable agricultural production and achieving food security. Fertile soil is capable of providing the nutrients necessary for plant growth, as well as its ability to retain moisture, aerate roots, and support beneficial microorganisms.<br /><br />With increasing pressure on natural resources due to population expansion, climate change, and poor agricultural practices, soil fertility decline has become one of the most serious challenges facing modern agriculture and the environment.<br /><br />Causes of soil fertility loss:<br /><br />Excessive use of chemical fertilizers: This leads to salt accumulation and the destruction of the natural soil balance.<br /><br />Continuous monoculture: Repeatedly planting the same crop on the same land depletes certain soil elements.<br /><br />Excessive use of pesticides: This harms beneficial microorganisms that contribute to soil fertility.<br /><br />Erosion and erosion: This occurs due to wind or rain, leading to the loss of the nutrient-rich topsoil.<br /><br />Overgrazing and deforestation: This leads to soil erosion and the deterioration of soil structure.<br /><br />Methods for Maintaining Soil Fertility:<br /><br />Organic and Natural Fertilization:<br />Using manure, compost, and plant residues to improve the soil's organic matter content.<br /><br />Crop Rotation:<br />Regularly changing the type of crops planted restores the soil's nutritional balance and reduces diseases and pests.<br /><br />Planting legumes:<br />such as beans and lentils, which fix nitrogen in the soil through their roots, naturally increasing soil fertility.<br /><br />Balanced and avoided over-tillage:<br />To avoid breaking the soil structure and conserve moisture.<br /><br />Cover crops:<br />Planted during off-seasons to protect the soil from erosion, stabilize it, and increase organic matter.<br /><br />Using modern irrigation techniques:<br />such as drip irrigation to reduce soil salinization and maintain the required moisture without losing nutrients.<br /><br />The Importance of Maintaining Soil Fertility:<br /><br />Ensuring sustainable and high-quality agricultural production.<br /><br />Preserving the agricultural ecosystem and its biodiversity.<br /><br />Reducing reliance on costly and harmful chemical inputs.<br /><br />Contributing to rural development and achieving food security.<br /><br />Al-Mustaqbal University is the first university in Iraq.<br/><br/><a href=https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/biodiversity/ target=_blank>Goal 15 - life on land</a>