With remote sensing we can estimate many of the important properties of the soil. The organic carbon content can be estimated from albedo. Clay, iron and other mineral contents can also be estimated. While nutrients are important to plant growth, more critical to their vitality is plant available moisture.
Water is essential for the transport of nutrients to and from the plant.
This transport occurs laterally within the soil, and vertically within the plant. Water therefore, is the lifeblood of the system. Without sufficient moisture, photosynthesis is impossible. Perhaps more importantly is a proper balance of available water. Root systems of plants also require air in order to survive, with too much water, plants will literally drown.