meliorant
A meliorant is any substance, material, or management measure applied to land to improve its physical, chemical, or biological properties to increase productivity or enable cultivation. In soil science, meliorants are used to correct adverse soil conditions such as acidity, salinity, poor structure, low fertility, or moisture problems. The term derives from Latin meliorare meaning to make better.
Common chemical meliorants include lime (calcium carbonate) and dolomitic lime to raise soil pH; gypsum (calcium
Organic meliorants include farmyard manure, compost, peat, and biochar, which add organic matter, improve soil structure,
Physical meliorants involve drainage, subsoiling, deep chiseling, and trenching to relieve compaction and improve water movement,
Uses and considerations: Meliorants are selected based on soil tests, climate, crop needs, and environmental impact.
See also: amelioration, soil amendment, soil conditioner, land improvement.