Humus as a homogeneous soil layer
as humus applies to the top soil layer in natural habitats, which consists of decomposed organic residues. Soil organisms process animal and plant remains and produce a homogeneous substrate that is rich in nutrients. The bottom fauna needs moisture, air and heat to convert the substances. If the conditions are not right, putrefaction will develop. A layer of humus on the ground stores water and provides the plants with nutrients.
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Humus soils are not created everywhere. The soil fauna is influenced by the carbon-nitrogen ratio. There is an imbalance in favor of carbon on the soils of coniferous forests. Needle litter acidifies the soil, which is why there are hardly any soil organisms here. In deciduous forests the ratio is balanced and the soil fauna produces a thick layer of humus.
Compost as a heterogeneous composition
In contrast to humus, this is Compost soil not yet completely decomposed. The substrate is a composition of vegetable waste, which is processed into humus through the action of soil organisms. In parlance, the mature compost soil is also referred to as compost. The compost substrate often contains rotten and lignified plant parts, so that only parts of it contain homogeneous humus with a fine crumb structure.
While humus is created in natural habitats without human intervention, compost is actively produced. There is fresh compost that contains small amounts of decomposable organic residues. This substrate stimulates the activity of the soil organisms. Ready-made compost contains large amounts of pure humus and small parts of substances that are difficult to decompose. It is slowly processed by the soil fauna and is a slow-flowing source of nutrients.
Use of compost
Humus has a balanced ratio of calcium and iron, potassium and aluminum, magnesium and manganese, phosphorus and sulfur, nitrogen and carbon. A well-ripened compost that has been stored for at least a year is comparable to pure humus. Not only does it serve as a fertilizer, but it also has a positive effect on the soil.
Compost causes these effects:
- Promotion of the crumb structure
- Improvement of the water and air balance
- Increase in buffer capacity
- Maximizing aggregate stability