Which of the following best defines compost?

The choice identifying compost as a humus-like material that improves soil fertility is accurate because compost is indeed decomposed organic matter that enriches the soil. It is created through the natural process of decomposition, where microorganisms break down food scraps, yard waste, and other organic materials. The resulting compost is rich in nutrients, beneficial for plant growth, and helps improve the structure and aeration of the soil, promoting a healthy ecosystem.

In contrast, covering landfills with material primarily serves a different function and does not reflect the essence of compost. While compost can be considered a type of solid waste in its raw organic form, it is more accurately classified as a beneficial product rather than waste. Lastly, composting represents a method of waste management and reduction, but it is not directly a waste disposal method in the same sense as other forms of waste management. Therefore, defining compost as a material that enhances soil quality captures its primary purpose and benefits.