Merit found in infertile area (6)
I believe the answer is:
desert
This clue is a triple definition!
'merit' is the first definition.
(I know that desert is a type of merit)
'found in' acts as a link.
'infertile' is the second definition.
(thesaurus)
'area' is the third definition.
(desert is a kind of area)
(Other definitions for desert that I've seen before include "merit and a > quiet place" , "Abandon, desolate area" , "Abandon in barren terrain" , "Leave - due" , "Eg, the Sahara" .)