What is a common soil amendment and its purpose?

Compost is a widely used soil amendment that significantly enhances soil fertility and boosts microbial activity. It is an organic material that results from the decomposition of plant and animal matter. When added to soil, compost enriches it with essential nutrients, making them more accessible to plants.

Furthermore, compost improves the soil structure, which aids in moisture retention and increases aeration. The presence of beneficial microbes in compost fosters a healthy soil ecosystem, promoting the breakdown of organic matter and enhancing nutrient cycling. This not only supports plant growth but also contributes to the overall health of the soil by increasing its biodiversity.

In contrast, while fertilizers can improve plant strength, they generally provide nutrients in a concentrated form without the additional benefits of improving soil structure or microbial activity like compost does. Sand does indeed improve drainage, but it does not enhance nutrient content or microbial health, which are critical for sustainable soil management. Clay is known for its ability to hold moisture, but it can also create drainage issues if present in large amounts, and while it can help reduce erosion, its primary purpose is different from that of compost in enriching soil fertility.