<Li> Good internal drainage, allowing sufficient aeration for optimal root growth (although some plants, such as rice, tolerate waterlogging); </Li> <Li> Topsoil with sufficient soil organic matter for healthy soil structure and soil moisture retention; </Li> <Li> Soil pH in the range 5.5 to 7.0 (suitable for most plants but some prefer or tolerate more acid or alkaline conditions); </Li> <Li> Adequate concentrations of essential plant nutrients in plant - available forms; </Li>

Most of the living organisms in fertile soil are found in