Explain what a soil amendment is.

A soil amendment is a material that is added to soil to enhance its physical, chemical, or biological properties for improved plant growth. This can involve improving soil structure, increasing nutrient availability, enhancing water retention, or increasing microbial activity.

By introducing organic matter, such as compost or manure, or various minerals, soil amendments can significantly influence the soil's capacity to support healthy plant life. For example, adding lime can help adjust pH levels, while gypsum can improve soil structure and reduce compaction.

Understanding the role of soil amendments is critical for agronomy and agricultural practices since they directly impact soil health, crop yields, and sustainability in farming systems.