- Topic in Gardening courses. By John Eagles.
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Humus is organic matter in the soil resulting from decomposition of plant and animal residues. Humus has reached a point of stability and won't break down easily by microorganisms.
In most soils the percentage of humus ranges from two to ten percent. In peat bog it is up to 90 percent. The average composition is 58 % Carbon, 5 % Nitrogen, several acids. The C:N ratios varies from 10:1 to 12:1.[1]
Humus improves the physical condition of the soil. It contains essential plant nutrients and it improves the soil's capacity to hold water. It prevents leaching of water soluble plant nutrients and it improves the microbial activity of a soil. Soils with humus have better aeration and drainage by making the soil more porous.
See also
- Clay-humus complex
- Compost
- Gardening courses
- Knowledge base:Gardening
- Micro-organisms in the soil
- Soil
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