Humus
Organic matter in soils resulting from decay of plant and animal materials
Humus
Humus is the stable form of soil organic matter derived from decomposition of plant and animal substances. Humic layer or humus horizon is the organic matter above the topsoil and below leaf litter which is finely divided having a high surface area. This layer consists of a large proportion of humus. Humus can be found in many layers of the soil, but usually in the upper layers. Humus, which ranges in colour from brown to black, is largely composed of carbon, and contains high amounts of nitrogen, and smaller amounts of phosphorus and sulfur. Humus retains moisture in the topsoil, in particular in soils with a coarse texture (e.g. sand). Humus is the Latin word for "ground" or "earth". Organisms which feed off the litter layer serve a key role in the formation of humus, known as humification. Earthworms are a major contributor to this process, alongside many other invertebrates, microbial processes, and fungi. Only the decomposed organic matter in soil is considered humus, while the portion...
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