Understanding Humus Formation - What Happens Beneath the Surface

Humus is a dark organic substance made up of plant and animal matter decomposed by earthworms, arthropods, fungi, bacteria, and other soil microorganisms. It is naturally found in the top layer of soil and is commonly found on the forest floor. Humus contains nutrients that contribute to soil fertility. It improves soil texture and increases porosity while retaining moisture and nutrients. Humus also provides homes for beneficial soil microbes while extracting toxins and harmful microorganisms f

H is for HUMUS! Humus is a major organic matter component of soil. 🪱 It is comprised of decaying or decomposed materials such as leaves, dead insects, or other decaying plant parts that are breaking down and becoming part of the soil. 🍂 All of those nutrients release during this decomposition period and return to the soil, (and eventually support new plant life), in the form of HUMUS. 🌱 You can smell the rich smell of humus while walking through a dense forest with lots of decomposition. You