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Humus is the end result of organic matter breaking down in the soil or in a compost pile. Humus is "fluffy", it soaks up water like a sponge and has a tremendous surface area packed into a small space. The surface area allows for more chemical reactions with the soil solution, increasing the soil's nutrient-exchange capacity and allowing it to support more complex plant communities on the surface. Humus increases the water-holding and nutrient-exchanging capacity of the soil, and its gradual breakdown releases a slow, steady supply of nutrients to plants.

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13y ago
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14y ago

Humus helps the soil retain moisture and encourages the formation of a good soil structure. They also bind the plant nutrients, making them more available.

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10y ago

Humus is a natural organic component present in soil which is a great source of minerals and nutrients in soil. It is important in fertility of soil and promotes plant growth.

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15y ago

Humus is part of the soil make up. It is decayed vegetable matter that opens up the soil to allow water and air to penetrate and supplies some nutrient to the plants.

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11y ago

it is important because it allows seeds to germinate quicker lol

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Q: Why is humus important to soil?
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What is soil that contains humus?

Soil that contains humus is known as humus soil. Humus is a dark, organic material that forms when plant and animal matter decomposes. Humus soil is rich in nutrients and helps improve soil structure, drainage, and fertility. It is important for healthy plant growth and biodiversity in the soil.


How does the presence of the humus affect soil?

how does the presence of humus affect soil


Why is water important to humus?

That it makes the nutrients within humus soluble is a reason why water is important to humus. Humus is dark brown, fresh smelling, nutrient rich organic matter. So it's a source of necessary nutrients to plant roots, soil, and soil food web critters. But the nutrients must be in soluble form in order to be available. Otherwise, they're present in soil but unavailable and inaccessible.


Organic matter in soil is also called .?

The formation of complex organic matter in soil is called Humus


Why humus is an important part of soil?

Humus is important for soil because it improves soil structure, retains moisture, and provides essential nutrients for plant growth. It also fosters microbial activity, which is crucial for breaking down organic matter and releasing nutrients for plants to use.


HUmus is an important component of healthy soil. How does humus form?

Humus forms through the decomposition of organic matter by microorganisms in the soil. It is a stable and dark organic material that improves soil structure, retains water, and provides nutrients for plants. The process of humus formation is a slow one, taking several years to decades.


What biome is characterized by soil that is rich in humus?

The biome characterized by soil rich in humus is primarily the temperate deciduous forest biome. This type of soil is dark, fertile, and nutrient-rich due to the decomposition of organic matter from the forest vegetation. Humus-rich soil is important for supporting diverse plant and animal life in this biome.


Is humus a type of soil?

Of course it does! Humus is made of dead stuff and orginc matter and this helps the soil add more nutrients.


What is Dead and decayed plant and animal material mixed in the soil?

The organic matter in soil is called humus.


What is the dark crumbly highly organic part of soil?

The dark, crumbly, highly organic part of soil is called humus. Humus is formed from the decomposition of plant and animal material and is rich in nutrients, making it important for the fertility and health of the soil.


Which 2 layers of the soil are least likely to contain humus?

The layer of soil that has little or no humus in it is the subsoil. The top layer of the soil has the most humus in it because the dead leaves fall from the plant and go back into the soil. Water and sun also help give the plant humus.


Is sandy soil more fertile than soil rich in humus?

Humus can hold more water