Glossary, Soil & Water Quality
Soil Amendment
Also known as: amendment
Short definition
A soil amendment is a material, such as compost or perlite, mixed into soil to improve its fertility, drainage or structure.
Organic amendments like compost add nutrients and help soil hold moisture. Mineral amendments like perlite or coarse sand open heavy mixes so water drains.
Why it matters
What you add depends on the problem. Sandy ground usually needs organic matter to hold water, while a pot mix that stays soggy needs more drainage material.