What is one example of a soil amendment?

Soil amendments are materials added to soil to improve its physical properties, nutrient content, and overall health. Fertilizer serves as a prime example of a soil amendment because its primary purpose is to enhance plant growth by supplying essential nutrients that may be lacking in the existing soil. Fertilizers typically contain nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which are vital for plant development.

Enhancing soil quality, boosting fertility, and ensuring the optimal nutrient balance are key objectives when using fertilizers, making them essential for agricultural practices and gardening. This is why fertilizer stands out as a prominent example of a soil amendment in the context of improving soil conditions for better plant productivity.

The other options, while relevant to soil composition, do not primarily serve as amendments. Sand can improve drainage and aeration but is not specifically a nutrient source. Clay can impact soil structure and water retention, and silt affects the soil's texture, but neither is categorized as an amendment aimed at enriching soil nutrient content for plants.