This substance is humus, and it is full of nutrients that are necessary for plants.
What is Leaf Litter?
This is what will decompose into humus.
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How Is Humus Made?
It is found in the top few inches of soil.
Then, microorganisms synthesize these compounds further, ultimately leading to nutrient-rich humus.
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High-quality farmland soil will have 3-6% humus, giving it the nutrients plants and crops need to thrive.
Besides the humus, there is typically 70% minerals , 8% organisms (of the microscopicandvisible variety!
Why Humus Matters
There are several reasons why humus is crucial forsoil health.
Leaf litter is an important source of humusborchee / Getty Images
To keep the soil fertile and loose, you oughta replenish humus every year.
Humus makes up only 3 to 6 percent of productive soil used for crops.
That will give you a baseline to determine how the addition of humus is affecting the nutrient content.
Compost is man-made humusCatherine McQueen / Getty Images
Once the organic material is decomposed, the nitrogen is released back to the soil.
Humus is the general term for naturally decayed organic material.
Compost consists of organic materials such as food waste and other plant residue that humans have accumulated for decomposition.
Humus soil contains nitrogen, which is a key nutrient for fertile garden soil.
Humus andnitrogen in soilwill help your plants grow!
Cornell University Cooperative Extension.
