Hi 5th years. Please revise this overview on Humus for tomorrows class. A good idea is to convert into a mindmap.
-is the product of the breakdown of
organic matter (dead plants and animals)
-holds minerals in the soil due to
its high cation exchange capacity
-absorbs the water and can greatly
improve the quality of otherwise poor (sandy) soils.
-improves and strengthens the crumb
structure of heavy soils.
-it forms clay - humus complexes,
which improves soil stability.
-its dark colour improves the warming
capabilities of the soil (i.e. it is able to absorb more heat from the sun)
-can make the soil more acidic (an
advantage and disadvantage depending on the use of the soil).
Tuesday, September 16, 2014