Poor soil can occur due to factors such as: 1. Soil erosion 2. Inadequate fertilization 3. Lack of crop rotation 4. Acidification 5. Nutrient imbalance 6. Waterlogging These factors affect the soil, reducing its ability to hold the grass seed germination. While many grass seeds cannot withstand harsh conditions, some seeds germinate and thrive in poor soil. Thus, if you want to establish a new lawn or overseed, it is good to test your soil. This will help you choose grass seeds that will match your soil conditions.