humus

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humus

humus , organic matter that has decayed to a relatively stable, amorphous state. It is an important biological constituent of fertile soil . Humus is formed by the decomposing action of soil microorganisms (e.g., bacteria and fungi), which break down animal and vegetable material into elements that can be used by growing plants. Technically, humus, as the end result of this process, is less valuable for plant growth than are the products formed during active decomposition (see fertilizer ). Because of its low specific weight and high surface area, humus has a profound effect upon the physical properties of mineral soils with regard to improved soil structure, water intake and reservoir capacity, ability to resist erosion, and the ability to hold chemical elements in a form readily accessible to plants.

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humus

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology | 1996 | | Â© The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology 1996, originally published by Oxford University Press 1996. (Hide copyright information) Copyright

humus XVIII. — L., ‘mould, ground, soil’.

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T. F. HOAD. "humus." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology. 1996. Encyclopedia.com. 1 Dec. 2009 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

T. F. HOAD. "humus." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology. 1996. Encyclopedia.com. (December 1, 2009). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O27-humus.html

T. F. HOAD. "humus." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology. 1996. Retrieved December 01, 2009 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O27-humus.html

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A Dictionary of Zoology | 1999 | | Â© A Dictionary of Zoology 1999, originally published by Oxford University Press 1999. (Hide copyright information) Copyright

humus The semi-decomposed organic matter in the soil; it provides nutrients for plant growth and increases the water-absorbing capacity of the soil.

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MICHAEL ALLABY. "humus." A Dictionary of Zoology. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. 1 Dec. 2009 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

MICHAEL ALLABY. "humus." A Dictionary of Zoology. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. (December 1, 2009). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O8-humus.html

MICHAEL ALLABY. "humus." A Dictionary of Zoology. 1999. Retrieved December 01, 2009 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O8-humus.html

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