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Mysterious Humus: What Secrets Are Hidden in the Soil?
Soil is one of the foundations of life on Earth, and within this thin layer of soil lies a mysterious component known as the "lifeblood of soil" - humus. Humus is a dark organic matter formed by the decomposition of plant and animal residues, and plays an important role in soil health and fertility. This article takes a closer look at the process of humus formation, its benefits to the soil, and its critical role in sustainable agriculture.
Humus is a complex organic substance formed by the decomposition of plant residues and animals. Its chemical structure and physical properties are still a hot topic of research.
Humus formation process
The formation of humus first requires the remains of plants, animal bodies and the action of microorganisms. When plants and animals die, this organic matter is broken down by various microorganisms, fungi and soil organisms such as earthworms. This process is called "composting" and results in the formation of a series of complex organic compounds that are transformed into humus.
During the decomposition process, microorganisms not only convert organic matter into humus, but also release important nutrients such as nitrogen back into the soil for plants to absorb and use.
Characteristics and stability of humus
Humus has an extremely complex chemical structure and usually appears black or dark brown. Using radiocarbon dating, scientists have discovered that the polymers in humus may be very old, while the proteins and carbohydrates in it are relatively new. Such properties allow humus to remain stable in the soil for more than a hundred years, protecting it from being decomposed by microorganisms or enzymes.
Studies have shown that the stability of humus is mainly due to the fact that it is hidden in small aggregates of soil particles, which makes it effectively resistant to degradation.
Contribution of humus to soil
Humus is excellent at improving soil structure, especially when combined with cations such as calcium. It increases the soil's micro-porosity and improves its ability to retain water, thus helping plants survive dry seasons. More importantly, humus has good cation exchange capacity, allowing plants to absorb nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium more efficiently.
The role of humus in sustainable agriculture
As global climate change and agricultural sustainability challenges intensify, the role of humus becomes particularly important. Its carbon sequestration potential helps reduce carbon dioxide levels in the soil, thus contributing to climate change mitigation. At the same time, increasing the humus content in the soil through organic farming and refined farming techniques can not only increase crop yields but also improve the overall health of the soil.
Humus in the soil is not only a chemically stable source of nutrients, but also a source of life, providing support and habitat for microorganisms and other organisms.
Exploring the future of soil and humus
Today, as we increasingly rely on scientific and technological innovation, research on humus is also deepening. As new analytical techniques are developed, scientists hope to learn more about the composition of humus from different environments and their functions. In the future, research on humus can not only promote agricultural improvements, but also provide valuable reference for ecological sustainable development.
How much role will humus play in future agriculture and ecosystems? Will it be another challenge facing mankind?
