Which is an example of organic matter that can be added to soil to enhance its fertility?

Compost is a prime example of organic matter that can be added to soil to enhance its fertility. It is created through the decomposition of plant and animal materials, which improves the soil structure, water retention, and nutrient content. By incorporating compost into the soil, beneficial microorganisms are introduced, which help in breaking down organic matter further and releasing nutrients in a form that plants can readily absorb.

In contrast, chemical fertilizers are synthetic and do not qualify as organic matter. They provide nutrients directly to plants but do not improve soil structure or microbial activity in the same way compost does. Pesticides are designed to control pests and are not related to soil fertility enhancement; they can potentially harm beneficial organisms in the soil. Inorganic additives, while they may supply nutrients, are also not organic materials, therefore they do not contribute to soil fertility in the same holistic manner that compost does.