Is there actually a difference between soil and compost? If so, what is it?

Answer 1

According to Nyle C. Brady (a world expert on soil) the definitions of the two words are:

Compost: "Organic residues, or a mixture of organic residues and soil, that have been piled, moistened, and allowed to undergo biological decomposition. Mineral fertilizers are sometimes added. Often called artificial manure or synthetic manure if produced primarily from plant residues."

Soil: 1. "A dynamic natural body composed of mineral and organic solids, gases, liquids, and living organisms which serves as a medium for plant growth." 2. "The collection of natural bodies occupying parts of the Earth's surface that is capable of supporting plant growth and that has properties resulting from the integrated effects of climate and living organisms acting upon parent material, as conditioned by topography, over periods of time."

For a discussion of the differences between compost and soil that is a bit easier to get ahold of, check out this link: http://www.compost-bin.org/compost-soil.html

Answer 2

Soil is the common or garden brown stuff that you find anywhere you care to dig. It need not be fertile. Compost is the broken down remains of organic matter that is rich in the nutrients that plants love to feed on. Soil is just soil and if it isn't enriched with nutrients, you will only be able to grow a very limited variety of plant whereas compost is cultivated deliberately to create a nutritious growing medium for plants.

Answer 3

From the surface of the land down to the bedrock is soil. This is divided into 2 major horizons, the upper layer is the topsoil, the lower layer forms the subsoil.
Compost is any decomposed organic matter that is incorporated into the topsoil to improve its fertility and structure, be it manure, garden waste or tree bark etc.
Potting composts can be divided into soil based , such as John Innes, which contains sterilized loam , and soil-less which is based on material such as peat or coconut fibre ( coir).

Answer 4

Yes there is, soil is a natural process of movement and breakdown of natural growths such as dead trees and other plants bones and natural oils from dead animals etc, which over many years of natural composting and fossilising in the earth. The deeper you go down the harder the soil. With the weight of compacting over thousands of years a residue of liquid from all the natural processes is formed. It is called OIL.
Compost is a synthetic process of using biodegradable materials to enrich the soil to enhance the ability of the soil to grow other healthy plant life such as delicate plants, vegetables.

Answer 5

Soil comes from the ground! Compost is your recycled waste rotted down!

Answer 6

Compost is rotten plants/trees etc mixed in with soil where as soil is just earth.

Answer 7

Soil is just soil like mud, and compost is full of nutrients that help feed and nurture the plants.

Answer 8

Compost is the result of rotting plant material. Soil is natural, and contains rock powder etc.

Answer 9

Soil is what you will find under your grass and in your garden.
Compost is man (or woman) made, consisting of yard debris, and kitchen waste, such as vegetable and fruit peels. This conglomeration mixed with water, air and little creepy crawlers, (worms etc.) breaks down and makes a wonderful rich mixture that can be added to your yard and garden.
If you check with your local Extension they will be able to give you a flyer on how to make compost.

Answer 10

Soil is natural earth, compost is earth which has been
fertilised, in many options, depending on the type of
plant you intend to grow.