Humus- The organic Matter Flashcards
What makes up the organic content of soil?.
Dead organic matter and living organisms
What is Humus formed from?
dead organic matter
Describe Humus
It is a dark brown, sticky material that forms a coating around soil particles
Humus is a major source of what?
it is a major source of the key soil nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus
What does humus increase?
It increases the water-holding capacity of the soil.
What does humus encourage?
It encourages the soil particles to bind together in soil crumbs.
What does a good crumb structure have?
A soil with a good crumb structure has good drainage, is well aerated and easy to work.
List some organisms that are found in soil
bacteria, fungi, worms, insects, burrowing
animals and plant roots
How do bacteria and fungi or small animals help to form humus?
Some of the smaller animals are detritivores which feed on the dead organic matter, and bacteria and fungi are decomposers – they help to form humus.
What do plant roots do?
Plant roots bind the soil particles together preventing erosion.
