How is humus made?

Humus might just be the most under-appreciated thing in the world. Really, it’s true! We hardly give it a second thought when we’re walking through the forest or gardening in our backyard. But let me tell you, dear reader—humus is everything. Humus is what lies beneath our feet when we go on hikes; it’s what keeps all plant life existing and thriving (even if you don’t know its name); and most importantly, it’s like a party for microorganisms that break down organic matter into something magnificent.

So how exactly do we get this magical mixture of deliciousness? Buckle up, because I’m about to take you on a wild ride through humus territory!

What Exactly IS Humus?

Before delving into humification (yes, that’s right), let’s brush up on some basic definitions to make things easier for us unscientific folks out here.

Definition Time!

  • Topsoil: The uppermost layer of soil closest to Earth’s surface.
  • Organic Matter: Any material coming from living organisms; can include leaves, wood chips etc.
  • Decomposition: Process by which organic matter breaks down over time.
    • Note: Decomposition happens slowly without intervention but faster with specific environmental conditions such as moisture and temperature among others.

Now that these terms are crystal clear,H1 Let’s talk more about… wait…What was I writing about again?

Ah! Yes! Our hero today– HUMUS.

What Is It Made Of?

I won’t lie to you—the best kind of hummus still needs some tahini paste – no going around that one. BUT ,hummous ≠hum(us). So here goes:

Hum-us is an excellent counterpart consisting primarily of dead carbon-rich materials produced by living organisms through their own waste produced during decomposition as well as animal and microorganism remains. 
As this organic matter decomposes over time, millions of microorganisms start populating it and breaking it down into nutrients that other living creatures can use.

Why Is It So Great?

The answer to this is multifaceted. Humus:
– contains a large amount of Carbon in the form of humic acid which helps preserve your plant’s soil structure;
Note: Think of soil like Legos– so you take them apart and try building with them again— but you’ notice some got damaged along the way? That’s where humic acids come in handy – they glue all those pieces back together.
– holds onto nutrients very tightly so plants get more bang for their buck;
Note: Nutrients are there for the taking but before a plant’s roots can uptake most these –they need to have been divided from solids via bacteria or fungi naturally occurring on its surface area. This would then be taken up by said roots..phew! elaborate right?
– has an amazing water-holding capacity helping maintain good moisture levels in soil which essentially means lower irrigation frequency needed (yay economy).
Note: Because who wants to constantly make sure those plants are supplied with just enough H2O?

H1 Now Let’s Move Onto The Main Event: “Humification”

If you’ve never heard that term before, don’t fret—we’re about to dive into everything there is to know about how humification creates our beloved humus

Step One: A Sudden Catastrophe

Now every great story worth reading starts off with either some conflict or something uncanny happening—it gets people talking. With organic matter such as leaves, wood chips, food waste Etc.,the first step towards becoming dirt is when dry weather hits because when there hasn’t been much rainfall (or irrigation), the lack of moisture starts to dry out these organic materials.

As a result, little critters like termites, woodlice and sowbugs start munching on them. As they eat away at this plant material, breaking it down into tiny bits—during what scientists call fragmentation—you’ll notice two things:
– Exposed surface areas will decompose faster,
– Their fecal matter forms the foundation for potential humus
Note: who said being non-human is an excuse to not contribute constructively towards…anything in general?

Step Two: Decomposition

You see that pile of leaves you just raked up and threw in your compost bin? That is merely defined as part & parcel of decomposition ,a.k.a The Breakdown – but there’s actually way more going on under than meets the eye!

Here are some ways how it happens:

1) Bacteria breaks matter down while fungi redistribute nutrients within.

2) Actinomycetes provides nitrogen-fixing and anti-pathogen services helpful for soil preservation.
3) Microbes release CO2 which can liquify solute carbonates or upset PH factors

During Decomposition, heat gets released which dries up excess water found with the organic material thus increasing absorbent capacity upon bacteria broke said formed acid compounds down further by oxidative bio-decomposition. Doesn’t look so complicated now does it ?

And Now For What We’ve All Been Waiting For…..

Almost getting thirsty from all this scientific musing?? I’m right there with you… let me offer up some entertainment instead
(intro repetitive bass line)
(daft-punk voice)
“Get ready 4 the DROP people!”

Step Three: Humification sunglasses slide

Please do yourself a favor– before reading too much about ‘humification’,grab a pair of glasses ,real or imaginary -you decide . I’ll bring the visuals.

There’s a lot more happening down there!
Humification comes in to action when decomposition has occurred, giving birth to humus which denatures and restructures organic materials based on specific criteria (including temperature, moisture content, C:N ratio) that also have an effect on soil type.

Also responsible for making plant roots happy:

  • Humines: The end product of less decomposed matter having long chain carbon structures.
  • Fulvies. :The result of further oxidation acting as natural chelating agents
    Note: This means that fulvic acids can “escort” certain elements into plants’ root systems by helping move them through the surrounding solid material.

Not convinced?
Picture this: A group of rotund elves with pickaxes breaking apart some guy’s lawn clippings—oh wait! That’s right –biggest bio-conversion party ever; these microorganisms due to favourable conditions since during humification processes becomes converted quickly upon completion almost finishing all nutrients accessible except for dead phytomass returning essential elements back into soil again rendering said matter as ready-to-go nutrient rich soil.
And THAT’S HUMUS FOR YA ,Ladies & Gentlemen!

The Process

I’m sure you want in-depth details now don’t you?? Let me dazzle you:

  1. Non-humified organic materials(crucial first ingredient): First step…and oh so important… it provides initial energy source while microbes are converting it utilizing already existing excess sugars/ carbohydrates left behind within .
  2. Humus-forming bacteria(a.k.a top DJ at your next microbial function💃): So we talked about how different types aid even boost characteristics shared throughout fungal kingdoms niches by symbiotic acceleration thus effectively getting those badass suppercharged growth results needed–yeah yeah baby!
    3.Substrate Condition(Deep bass into futuristic sound ) : Light acids, water and air are essential at this stage for quick breakdown by bacteria/fungi who neutralize alkaline properties found within organic phytomass compared to 1ststage PH qualities upon increased souring happening throughout carbon chains.
  3. Newly-formed humic substances(obviously the headliner🕺): Upon increasing stabilisation via multiple sources of nutrients left behind in heap—succinctly outfinishes initial C-source CEC as this portion develops aromatics finalizing event with peptides/amino factions marking its fold.

Conclusion

Well there you have it—a succinct look into how our wonderous soil boon known as humus is formed! It’s much more than just dirt or plain old compost—it’s a complex community of microorganisms working together (sometimes competing) to create something amazing from scratch.

So next time you’re traipsing through lush forests or maintaining your garden- remember humus might just be where all life actually comes from… Well not exactly but kinda? 🤣

Random Posts