What does the term "soluble" refer to in a chemical context?

In a chemical context, the term "soluble" specifically refers to substances that can dissolve in water easily. This property is crucial for many chemical processes, especially in environmental science and agriculture, where the availability of nutrients to plants heavily depends on their solubility in soil moisture. When a substance is soluble, it means that it can form a solution when mixed with water, allowing for easier uptake by living organisms, such as plants, which rely on dissolved substances for growth and development. Understanding solubility is essential for managing soil chemistry, nutrient availability, and overall plant health.