What is humus?
Q: What is humus?
A: Humus is the organic matter in soil composed of dead plant and animal material.
Q: What are the benefits of humus to plants?
A: Humus is beneficial to plants because it takes in water and has plenty of nutrients, with nitrogen being the most important. It acts like a sponge for plants to absorb water and nutrients through their roots.
Q: How does humus help warm up cold soils in the spring?
A: The dark color of humus helps to absorb sunlight and increase soil temperature, warming up cold soils in the spring.
Q: What is the source of humus?
A: Humus is made up of the dead parts of plants and animals.
Q: What is the function of nitrogen in humus?
A: Nitrogen is the most important nutrient in humus and is essential for plant growth.
Q: How do plants obtain water and nutrients from soil?
A: Plants put roots into the soil to absorb water and nutrients.
Q: Can humus affect the color of soil?
A: Humus can darken the color of soil due to its dark brown or black coloration.