What is the term for soil's ability to hold nutrients and supply them to plants?

The term that describes soil's ability to hold nutrients and supply them to plants is known as soil fertility. Soil fertility refers to the capacity of soil to provide essential nutrients to plants, enabling them to grow healthily and yield effectively. This concept encompasses not only the presence of nutrients but also their availability to plants, which can be influenced by factors such as the soil's pH, texture, and organic matter content.

In discussions of soil management and agricultural practices, understanding soil fertility is crucial because it informs farmers and agronomists about how to effectively amend and manage their soils to optimize plant growth. This often involves the application of fertilizers, organic amendments, and practices to improve soil health and nutrient retention.

The other options relate to different aspects of soil but do not specifically define its ability to supply nutrients. Nutrient saturation refers to the level of nutrients in the soil but does not capture the broader concept of fertility. Soil composition pertains to the various components that make up the soil, such as minerals, organic matter, and water. Soil texture describes the size of the soil particles (sand, silt, clay) and how they affect drainage and aeration, rather than nutrient availability.