What are soil amendments and why are they used?

Soil amendments are materials that are added to soil to enhance its physical or chemical properties, which can improve plant growth and increase agricultural productivity. By incorporating amendments such as compost, lime, gypsum, or organic matter, soil structure, nutrient availability, drainage, and aeration can be significantly improved. This ultimately leads to a healthier growing environment for plants.

The purpose of soil amendments is to address specific deficiencies or imbalances in the soil, contributing to better root development, water retention, and nutrient uptake, thereby supporting overall soil health and productivity. For instance, adding organic matter to sandy soils can help retain moisture, while applying lime can increase soil pH in acidic soils, making nutrients more accessible to plants.

The other options describe concepts that do not accurately represent what soil amendments are or their purpose in agriculture.