What are the three main elements of soil fertility?

Soil fertility is fundamentally influenced by various nutrients that support plant growth, and the three main elements that are most critical in this regard are nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. These nutrients are often referred to as the "primary macronutrients" because they are consumed in relatively larger quantities by plants and play pivotal roles in their development.

Nitrogen is essential for the synthesis of amino acids, the building blocks of proteins, and is crucial for vegetative growth and the development of chlorophyll, which plants use in photosynthesis. Phosphorus is important for energy transfer within the plant, playing a key role in the formation of DNA, RNA, and ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which provides energy for various metabolic processes. Potassium helps regulate many physiological processes in plants, including water uptake, enzyme activation, and photosynthesis, making it vital for overall plant health and resilience against disease and stress.

While the other options mention important nutrients—such as sulfur, zinc, iron, and calcium—these are not considered the primary macronutrients. Sulfur is a secondary macronutrient, while zinc and iron are micronutrients required for plant growth but in much smaller amounts compared to the main elements. Calcium, while important for structural functions