Compost is a mixture of organic components formed as a result of microbial degradation of complex organic matter over a period of time. The quality of compost is highly variable based on the substrate used as well as microbes that have participated in the composting process. A soil conditioner consists of microbes and a mixture of nutritive components. The creation of a soil conditioner like Magicgro dripSOL is a highly controlled process. Compost adds nutrients to the plants for its growth, where as a soil conditioner helps maintain the soil organic carbon.