Several terms are used regarding soil improving agents:
- Soil conditioners – products/materials that are applied to control erosion and improve soil properties, including physical and chemical state, mineral composition, water retention, etc. Soil conditioners can be used to improve poor soil or to rebuild soil which is damaged by improper soil management.
- Soil fertilizers – products/materials of natural or synthetic origin that are applied to soil or to plants to supply one or more nutrients essential to the plant growth. Fertilizers are various, both natural and industrially produced.
- Soil amendments – products/materials used to improve soil quality in terms of its structure and biochemical function. Soil amendments can be of organic origin – derived from biomass and/or living organisms, or inorganic (mineral) origin – usually consisting of minerals associated with soil fertility. In general, the term ‘soil amendment’ is broader may involve conditioners and fertilizers.