### substance | mixture:

Compost
* Most compost absorbs water
  - consists of organic materials
* Most compost contains nitrogen
  - organic nitrogen
  - organisms
  - has biomass
* Some compost holds water
  - is produced by livestock
  - made from mixed solid waste contains plastic and glass
  - retains moisture
  - uses in mushroom production
* acts like a sponge, helping soil retain moisture and nutrients.
* adds nutrients
  - vital nutrients
* aerates the soil and helps it stay moist.
* alone can be too nutrient rich and porous.
* amends both sandy and clay soils.
* attracts and feeds earthworms
  - supports earthworms and other desirable soil microorganisms
* balances the pH of soil.
* bears little physical resemblance to the raw material from which it originated.
* binds to the clay particles and helps open up the soil.
* breaks up heavy soils, adds nutrient and water-holding capacity.
* brings essential nutrients into the soil so that plants can bear richer fruit
  - most soils close to neutral
* builds soil structure and fertility which conserves water.
* can be added to either a sandy soil or clayey soil, it fixes both.
* consists of materials
  - naturally decomposed organic materials
* contains a small percentage of the essential plant nutrients required by vegetables
  - high organic content
  - nutrients that, when returned to the soil, are used by plants
  - small amounts of important plant nutrients and many micronutrients
* contributes organic matter and gradually releases nutrients to the soil.
* does have fertilizing properties.
* encourages growth.
* enhances the soil by adding nutrients and increasing water retention.
* fosters the biological processes in the soil.
* gives sandy soils body to hold moisture
  - soil increased ability to retain water, support all forms of life and resist erosion
* has benefits
* help fight soilborne pathogens that cause plant diseases.
* helps bind primary particles to improve the structure of soil.
* helps break down heavy clay soils or helps to bind sandy soils
  - heavy clay soils into a more usable texture and improves drainage
  - control soil erosion
  - increase the water and nutrient holding capacity of soils
  - keep nutrients in the soil near the plant's roots
  - sandy soils hold moisture better
  - sticky, clay soils drain better
* helps to improve the ability of the soil to hold water
  - neutralize toxins
* improves sandy soils and provides slowly released nutrients
  - moisture holding capacity
* improves soil porosity and helps to control soil erosion
  - properties just as mulch does just more immediately and extensively
  - quality by adding organic matter, nutrients and beneficial microorganisms
  - structure, texture, and aeration, and increases water-holding capacity
* improves vitamin and mineral content in food grown in compost-rich soils
* increases a soil s ability to provide nutrients essential for plant growth
  - microbial activity, which creates a healthier environment for plant growth
  - organic matter in the soil and adds nutrients for plant growth
  - the water-holding capacity in sandy soils and helps aerate clay soils
* is consumable products
  - dark with a crumbly texture and an earthy smell
  - easier to handle and store than raw waste
* is located in forests
  - gardens
* is nature's way of recycling
  - returning needed nutrients to the soil
  - nature-made dirt
  - plant material that is slightly decomposed
  - soil made out of things that used to be alive
* leaves over winter.
* loosens clay soils and helps sandy soils retain water
  - to improve drainage, and helps sandy soils retain water
  - up clay soil
* makes clay soils airy so they drain
  - porous so they drain
* needs air, moisture and food to work well.
* offers good water retention qualities and some basic nutrients.
* often are deficient in nitrogen when wood wastes are added to the mixture.
* piles almost never attract pests if they contain only yard trimmings.
* presents little or no odor.
* produces less leachate than a landfill and is much safer, cleaner and easier to treat.
* promotes growth of mycorrhizae
  - microbial development in the soil , enriching it with a broader range of chemicals
* promotes microbiological activity in soils necessary for plant growth
  - so necessary for healthy plant growth
* provides a balanced source of plant nutrients
  - biologically degraded form of organic matter high in humus
  - haven for earthworms and other organisms which help break down the soil
  - food for microorganisms in the soil
* provides nutrients and organic matter to the soil
  - needed for mushrooms to grow
  - over a longer period of time
  - organic matter to soil, which nurtures it well
* provides the best, most nutritious organic soil possible
  - plant with nutrients and sand allows the soil to drain more effectively
* reduces erosion by improving soil structure
  - plant stress from drought and freezes
  - plent stress from drought and freezing
  - the use of natural gas used in the manufacture of ammonia-type fertilizers
* reduces water demands of plants and trees
* refers to the stable humus or soil-like product of decomposition.
* serves primarily as an organic amendment and as a soil conditioner.
* stimulates beneficial organisms.
* suppresses weeds when used as a mulch.
* tends to raise pH and increase biological activity in the soil.
* vary in bulk density and particle size.