What is Humus?


The word Humus is derived from the Latin word 'humus' means 'earth, ground'.

It is thick brown or black, organic material that forms in soil when organic litter (plant and animal) decays or decomposed.

When the leaves, twigs, and other material drops from the plant to the ground and piles up, it is known as leaf litter. 

When animals, die, their remains add to the litter, and over time, all this litter decomposes. This means it decays, or breaks down, into its most basic chemical elements. Many of these chemicals are very important nutrients for the soil.

Although the terms ‘Humus’ and ‘Compost’ are informally used interchangeably, even they are distinct soil components with different origins.

Compost, like humus, is made of decomposed organic material, usually refers to material created by people from leftover foods and yard waste. 

On the other hand, Humus usually refers to the natural decay of material such as leaves in the soil's top layer.



Tutorialspoint
Tutorialspoint

Simply Easy Learning

Updated on: 10-Oct-2022

97 Views

Kickstart Your Career

Get certified by completing the course

Get Started
Advertisements