Which term describes a mix of decayed organic material, bacteria and other organisms, small amounts of water, yard waste, and vegetable scraps?

• A. Compost
• B. Fertilizer
• C. Soil
• D. Manure

Answer: (A)

Think of compost as the finished product of breaking down organic material with microbes. When decayed organic matter, bacteria and other organisms, a bit of water, yard waste, and vegetable scraps are allowed to decompose in a managed pile, you get compost—dark, crumbly material that can be mixed into soil to improve structure and nutrient availability. This differs from fertilizer, which is added to supply nutrients rather than being decomposed waste itself; soil is the natural mix of minerals, organic matter, air, and water, and manure is animal waste used as a fertilizer but not the specific decayed mix described.