Humus is important for plants, but few people know exactly what it is and what parts humus soil consists of. However, every hobby gardener can do a lot to build up humus.

In a nutshell

  • Humus is a mixture of organic materials
  • humus formation occurs in several stages
  • different animals such as earthworms are required for the formation of humus
  • The aim is the formation of permanent humus

definition

The terms humus and compost are often used incorrectly, but compost is only one aspect of humus formation. Humus is part of the soil in the topsoil area. It consists largely of organic materials that have died off.
The following organic materials can be found in humus:

  • leaves
  • root
  • feces
  • dead insects
  • dead animals
  • dead mushrooms
  • dead bacteria

humus formation

The formation of humus is also called humification. The conversion of the organic materials is divided into four phases. Humification involves both chemical processes and animal support responsible for the decomposition of the material.

  • Stage 1: The chlorophyll in the leaves is broken down while cells still remain intact. However, this phase is only necessary for leaves and already begins with the autumn coloring of the tree.
  • Stage 2: The initial phase is the first step in the actual decomposition. Here, water-soluble components such as sugar compounds or amino acids are washed out. During this phase, numerous microorganisms also settle in the area of the organic material, because they feed on the mature substances. In years that are very dry, leaching takes longer, which also slows down the formation of humus.
  • Stage 3: Now different animal helpers are used. They break down the organic substances and only components that are difficult to degrade remain. The following animals are responsible for crushing the organic material:
    • worms
    • centipede
    • different arachnids
    • mites
    • nematodes
  • Stage 4: Finally, the last remaining components are broken down by fungi. Various inorganic components are also released in this phase. These include, for example, CO2 or various minerals.

Tip: Above all, you can speed up the chopping phase in the garden by chopping up organic material such as leaves.

Different types of humus

Humus soil differs in composition. There are basically two types of hummus:

  • nutrient humus
  • permanent humus
nutrient humus

The aim of humus formation, especially for natural gardeners, is the conversion of nutrient humus into permanent humus.
Permanent humus has many advantages because it contains a lot of bound soil nitrogen that is available for plants. Permanent humus is formed when humic substances in the nutrient humus are further broken down. Another way to produce permanent humus is composting. However, one only speaks of permanent humus in the final stage of composting.

Notice: Due to the high level of bound nitrogen in mature compost, you can use it as fertilizer. Plants should never be planted in pure compost as this can lead to over-fertilization and high levels of nitrogen in the vegetables.

Determine humus content

With the so-called sludge test, you can roughly estimate for yourself what parts your soil consists of and how much humus or starting materials are available for formation.

  • Fill a 1.5l water bottle with soil samples from different places
  • divide the earth with a spade
  • remove a piece approx. 2cm wide
  • Fill up the wrong one with water
  • shake vigorously for a few minutes
  • Put the bottle down and wait about 5 minutes
  • various components settle out
  • The composition can be roughly identified
  • bottom layer: small pebbles and sand
  • 2 layer: clay
  • clay floats above in the murky water
  • top layer: humus layer
  • the thicker, the more nutrients available in the soil

frequently asked Questions

Why is humus soil important?

Humus soil has many positive properties. This includes not only the bound nitrogen, but also its finely crumbly structure, which makes it easier for the roots to anchor themselves. Humus soil can also store a lot of water, which in turn is available to the plants.

Can I have too much topsoil?

There is no general answer to this question. Nutrient-rich soils offer less biodiversity, but provide a good basis for vegetables to grow. On the other hand, too much nitrogen is not good either, because many vegetables can store nitrogen.

Do I have to use compost to increase the topsoil layer?

No, the so-called surface composting is easier, in which weeds are simply composted on the spot. Mulching also contributes to increasing the topsoil.

Category:

Garden maintenance