Compost: meaning, definitions and examples

This term is most commonly used for decomposed organic material that is added to soil to improve its quality. It is often used by gardeners and farmers.

• He added compost to his garden to help the flowers grow better
• The compost pile in our backyard is full of vegetable peels and grass clippings

A general term for substances that provide nutrients to plants. Fertilizer can be organic or synthetic, and is used in both small gardens and large farmlands.

• The garden center sells both organic and synthetic fertilizers
• Use fertilizer once a month to keep your plants healthy

Refers to any material added to soil to improve its physical properties. This can include organic materials like compost or inorganic materials like sand.

• The garden bed needed a soil amendment to improve drainage
• He added a soil amendment to break up the heavy clay

More of a broad scientific term, it encompasses any decomposed living material found in soil, including leaves, dead plants, and small organisms.

• Adding organic matter can greatly improve soil texture and fertility
• The rich soil was full of organic matter from years of plant decay

Use for natural gardening and farming processes where organic waste is turned into nutrient-rich material for soil.

• We add food scraps and yard waste to the compost to enrich our garden soil.
• The city's compost program helps reduce landfill waste.

Used to describe the process of converting waste materials into new materials and objects, mainly in the context of reducing environmental impact.

• We recycle paper, plastic, and glass to help reduce waste.
• Recycling old electronics can prevent harmful materials from entering the environment.

Describes the natural process of organic matter breaking down over time, often used in scientific or environmental discussions.

• Fallen leaves decompose and add nutrients to the forest floor.
• Bacteria and fungi help decompose dead animals.

Often refers to the process of organic matter breaking down, but with a stronger emphasis on the negative or destructive aspects.

• The decaying fruit attracted many insects.
• Tooth decay can lead to serious dental problems.