What are soil amendments?

Soil amendments are substances that are added to the soil to enhance its quality and fertility. This can include various organic and inorganic materials, such as compost, manure, peat moss, lime, and gypsum. These amendments improve key soil properties, including nutrient content, pH levels, structure, aeration, and water retention. By enhancing these characteristics, soil amendments promote healthier plant growth and can lead to better yields in agricultural practices.

The other options do not accurately define soil amendments. Landscaping materials and decorative elements are not related to the function of improving soil health and fertility. While certain plants can indeed enhance soil nutrients through processes like nitrogen fixation, they are not classified as soil amendments themselves. Pesticides are used to control pests and diseases and do not play a role in modifying soil quality directly, nor do they prevent soil erosion. Thus, the focus on soil quality improvement makes the first choice the accurate definition of soil amendments.