Question on: WAEC Agriculture - 2013

Adding compost to soil has several benefits, including improving its physical and chemical properties. Here's why the correct answer is B and C: * **B. increases the porosity of the soil:** Compost improves soil structure, creating more air spaces (pores). This increased porosity allows for better aeration and drainage. * **C. increases water-holding capacity of the soil:** Compost acts like a sponge, helping the soil retain more water. This is beneficial, especially in sandy soils that drain quickly. * **A. reduces the activities of living organisms:** Compost actually *increases* the activity of beneficial soil organisms as it provides them with food. * **D. decreases the soil acidity:** Compost can help to *slightly* buffer soil pH, but it is not its primary function, and the effect is usually minimal compared to liming (adding lime).