Duff
Duff
Duff (/dʌf/), also known as decayed wood or forest duff, is a term used in forestry to describe the layer of decomposing organic materials found on the forest floor.
Etymology
The term "duff" originates from the Scottish word "dowf," which means dull or insipid. It was first used in the context of forestry in the 19th century.
Description
Duff is composed of fallen leaves, twigs, and other organic materials that have begun to decompose. This layer plays a crucial role in the ecosystem, providing nutrients to the soil and serving as a habitat for various organisms. The thickness of the duff layer can vary greatly, depending on factors such as the type of vegetation present and the climate of the area.
Related Terms
- Humus: The organic component of soil, formed by the decomposition of leaves and other plant material by soil microorganisms.
- Detritus: Dead particulate organic material, as distinguished from dissolved organic material.
- Decomposition: The process by which organic substances are broken down into simpler organic matter.
- Forest floor: The floor of a forest, which is usually covered with decaying leaves, organic matter, and small plants such as grasses and wildflowers.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Duff
- Wikipedia's article - Duff
This WikiMD dictionary article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.
Languages: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
Urdu,
বাংলা,
తెలుగు,
தமிழ்,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
русский,
português do Brasil,
Italian,
polski