Water Management and Soil Fertility
Water is absolutely essential - it's the solvent in all cells, transports nutrients, maintains cell structure, and enables gas exchange. Without adequate water, plants can't absorb dissolved nutrients or replace what they lose through transpiration.
Smart farmers increase water availability through irrigation, soil mulching to reduce evaporation, and adding organic matter to help soil retain moisture. Earthworms are brilliant allies here, improving water infiltration and reducing runoff.
Soil fertility must be maintained because harvesting removes nutrients that need replacing. This can be achieved through natural processes (like nitrogen fixation by legumes), organic fertilisers, inorganic fertilisers, or even hydroponics - growing crops in nutrient solutions rather than soil.
Each fertiliser type has trade-offs. Organic fertilisers are often local waste products that improve soil structure but release nutrients slowly. Inorganic fertilisers offer precise control and rapid nutrient release but require lots of energy to manufacture and don't improve soil organic matter.
Think About It: Hydroponics eliminates soil-borne diseases and weeds but requires high-tech knowledge and energy inputs!