Soil acts as a reservoir of essential nutrients that plants need to grow, such as nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and micronutrients such as iron, zinc, and magnesium. These nutrients are organic or mineral in the soil. Plants absorb these nutrients through their roots, and the availability and accessibility of nutrients in the soil affects plant growth and health. Fertile soil provides the necessary elements for optimal plant growth with balanced nutrients (Agriculture Victoria, 2021)
The ideal mixture for plant growth is called a loam and has roughly 40% sand, 40% silt and 20% clay.