Humus: Difference between revisions
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== Humus == | |||
[[File:Soil_Horizons.svg|thumb|right|Diagram of soil horizons, including humus.]] | |||
'''Humus''' is a dark, organic material that forms in soil when plant and animal matter decays. It is an essential component of [[soil]] and plays a crucial role in maintaining soil health and fertility. | |||
Humus | == Formation == | ||
Humus is formed through the process of [[decomposition]], where microorganisms such as [[bacteria]] and [[fungi]] break down dead organic matter. This process results in the release of nutrients back into the soil, which are then available for uptake by [[plants]]. | |||
== | == Composition == | ||
Humus is composed of complex organic molecules, including [[lignin]], [[cellulose]], and various [[proteins]]. These molecules are resistant to further decomposition, which allows humus to persist in the soil for long periods. | |||
Humus | == Functions == | ||
Humus serves several important functions in the soil: | |||
* '''Nutrient Supply''': Humus is a reservoir of nutrients such as [[nitrogen]], [[phosphorus]], and [[sulfur]], which are essential for plant growth. | |||
* '''Water Retention''': It improves the soil's ability to retain water, making it available to plants during dry periods. | |||
* '''Soil Structure''': Humus helps to bind soil particles together, improving soil structure and aeration. | |||
* '''pH Buffering''': It acts as a buffer, helping to maintain a stable pH in the soil. | |||
Humus is | == Soil Horizons == | ||
Humus is typically found in the uppermost layer of soil, known as the [[O horizon]]. This layer is rich in organic material and is crucial for the initial stages of plant growth. | |||
== | == Importance in Agriculture == | ||
In [[agriculture]], maintaining a healthy level of humus in the soil is vital for sustainable crop production. Practices such as [[crop rotation]], [[cover cropping]], and the application of [[compost]] can help to increase humus levels in agricultural soils. | |||
* [[Soil]] | == Related pages == | ||
* [[Soil fertility]] | |||
* [[Compost]] | * [[Compost]] | ||
* [[ | * [[Organic matter]] | ||
* [[ | * [[Soil microbiology]] | ||
[[Category:Soil | [[Category:Soil science]] | ||
Latest revision as of 03:58, 13 February 2025
Humus[edit]
Humus is a dark, organic material that forms in soil when plant and animal matter decays. It is an essential component of soil and plays a crucial role in maintaining soil health and fertility.
Formation[edit]
Humus is formed through the process of decomposition, where microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi break down dead organic matter. This process results in the release of nutrients back into the soil, which are then available for uptake by plants.
Composition[edit]
Humus is composed of complex organic molecules, including lignin, cellulose, and various proteins. These molecules are resistant to further decomposition, which allows humus to persist in the soil for long periods.
Functions[edit]
Humus serves several important functions in the soil:
- Nutrient Supply: Humus is a reservoir of nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur, which are essential for plant growth.
- Water Retention: It improves the soil's ability to retain water, making it available to plants during dry periods.
- Soil Structure: Humus helps to bind soil particles together, improving soil structure and aeration.
- pH Buffering: It acts as a buffer, helping to maintain a stable pH in the soil.
Soil Horizons[edit]
Humus is typically found in the uppermost layer of soil, known as the O horizon. This layer is rich in organic material and is crucial for the initial stages of plant growth.
Importance in Agriculture[edit]
In agriculture, maintaining a healthy level of humus in the soil is vital for sustainable crop production. Practices such as crop rotation, cover cropping, and the application of compost can help to increase humus levels in agricultural soils.
