Abstract: A method of applying compost to soil which enables a substantial reduction in the use of compost and/or fertilizer. The method may employ adding a compost to soil, wherein the compost is added in an amount of from about 40% to about 200% per weight of seed, and wherein the compost is added to the soil so that a portion of the amendment is from about 0 to about 2 inches from each seed. Alternatively, the compost may be added at an amount of from about 30 to about 100 lbs of compost per acre of soil.