What term refers to decomposed organic matter used to enrich soil?

The correct term for decomposed organic matter used to enrich soil is compost. Compost is created from the breakdown of organic materials such as kitchen scraps, yard waste, and other biodegradable materials. This process transforms these materials through microbial activity into a nutrient-rich substance that can enhance soil fertility, improve soil structure, and promote healthy plant growth.

While fertilizers are substances added to soil to provide essential nutrients to plants, they can be synthetic or organic and do not specifically refer to decomposed organic matter. Mulch, on the other hand, is a layer of material applied to the surface of the soil to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and enhance the appearance of garden beds, but it does not necessarily refer to decomposed matter. Soil amendments encompass a broader category that includes various materials, such as compost, lime, or gypsum, used to improve soil quality but does not specifically denote decomposed organic matter alone.

Understanding these distinctions clarifies why compost is the most appropriate answer to the question posed about enriching soil with decomposed organic matter.