When root-zone biology and water distribution are poor, the crop cannot take up much of what you apply, so inputs rise, yield is exposed and soil declines.
Fertiliser and water are the two biggest variable costs in growing, and both are under pressure: input costs are up sharply, nitrogen is imported with no domestic buffer, and water is becoming a regulated constraint, not just a bill.
Much of what is applied is never used. Poor distribution uniformity and a depleted root-zone biology mean nutrient runs off and water drains away, so growers over-apply to protect yield, which raises cost and nutrient-loss exposure at the same time.
The opportunity is to make the crop more efficient at using what it is given, so inputs fall without yield falling with them.