Soil Amendments and Fertilizers
Completion requirements
Introduction
A soil amendment refers to a material added to the soil to improve its physical, biological or chemical properties. There are many different types of soil amendments, each fulfilling a different goal. While some may add nutrients, others may improve soil structure. While some may act quickly, others will act more slowly over a sustained time period. It is important to understand what different soil amendments do and how to apply them.
By actively participating in this section you will:
- Practice reading a soil test report to gather information about the soil nutrient status of a site.
- Identify when and how to use compost and other soil amendments.
- Practice using Cornell’s Cover Crop Guide and become familiar with cover crop management practices.
- Recognize that soils can be impacted by lead and other contaminants and it is important to consider the quality of any material that you add to your garden in order to avoid contaminants and other undesirable materials.
- Read and understand fertilizer labels to be able to identify appropriate fertilizers to meet plant needs and personal goals.
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