humification The development of humus from dead organic material, by the action of saprotrophic organisms which use this dead material as their food source. Humification is essentially an oxidation process in which complex organic molecules are broken down into simpler organic acids, which may subsequently be mineralized into simple, inorganic forms suitable for uptake by plants. Humification is therefore a vital stage in the cycling of nutrients.

humification The development of humus from dead organic material, by the action of saprotrophic organisms which use this dead material as their food source. Humification is essentially an oxidation process in which complex organic molecules are broken down into simpler organic acids which may subsequently be mineralized into simple, inorganic forms suitable for uptake by plants. Humification is therefore a vital stage in the cycling of nutrients.

humification The sequence of reactions by which decaying organic material is converted to humus.