The result should be a plot rich in crumbly soil, smoothed over with a rake. Compost is excellent for boosting the soil. Its main benefit, however, is not as a fertilizer. Compost's real contribution is conditioning the soil so fertilizers and nutrients can be synthesized by microorganisms, and therefore by plants. Compost is to soil as regular exercise is to humans.
Compost does have fertilizing properties.
That's why, in addition to compost, it is important to enrich soil with the three macro nutrients. Synthetic sources of these nutrients, sold under many brand names and dozens of formulations, should be applied only at specific times, because each type fills a particular need. Organic fertilizers improve the soil composition with nutrients and minerals. They help maintain the microorganisms that break down, digest and change soil ingredients to make them usable by plants. The most effective organic fertilizing program should continue year-round.