Humus: The stable, decomposed organic matter in soil.
Humus is like the lifeblood of healthy soil. The dark, crumbly material forms when leaves, roots, and other organic matter break down over time. Humus is essential for good soil structure, water retention, and nutrient availability. It helps create a loose, airy soil that’s easy for roots to penetrate and provides a rich source of plant nutrients.
For home gardeners, building humus in your soil is one of the best things you can do for your plants. Adding compost, aged manure, or other organic matter to your garden beds helps increase the humus content. This improves drainage in heavy clay soils, increases water retention in sandy soils, and provides a slow, steady release of nutrients to your plants. A healthy humus layer also supports a thriving population of beneficial soil organisms, creating a balanced and fertile ecosystem for your garden.
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