Soil conditioner

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Soil conditioners, also called soil amendments, are materials added to soil to improve plant growth and health. The type of conditioner added depends on the current soil composition, climate and the type of plant. Some soils lack nutrients necessary for proper plant growth and others hold too much or too little water. A conditioner or a combination of conditioners corrects the soil's deficiencies. Lime is used to make soil less acidic. Fertilizers, such as peat, manure, anaerobic digestate or compost, add depleted plant nutrients. Materials such as clay, vermiculite, hydrogel and shredded bark will make soil hold more water. Gypsum releases nutrients and improves soil structure. Sometimes a soil inoculant is added for legumes.

However, clay may hold more water but it is also electromagnetically charged. This means clay molecules tend to attract water molecules like a magnet. This magnetic bond is difficult for roots to break. Thus while clay soils may contain more water, it may not be useful to the plant and may cause the roots to rot if there is too much.