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About humus for soil for sale

Types of Humus for Soil

  • Leaf Humus

    Produced when leaves break down, this type of humus for soil rich in nutrients like potassium and phosphorus, is beneficial to plants. The main characteristic of leaf humus is that it mixes with sand to form a light and acidic topsoil layer commonly found in forests. Due to its fine texture, its slow decomposition means that it is not easily available to plants as nutrients. Nevertheless, its water-retaining qualities make it ideal for use in woodland garden designs.

  • Compost Humus

    This is produced from the decomposition of organic matter such as food scraps, yard waste, and paper products in the presence of oxygen. The nutrient-rich compost soil humus produced is dark, crumbly, and fertile. Thanks to its fast-breaking down organic materials, compost humus is quickly available to plants as nutrients. This makes it ideal for urban garden designs that require immediate soil fertility.

  • Muck Humus

    Muck humus is produced from the anaerobic decomposition of water-saturated organic materials, mostly weeds, and grasses found in wetlands and marshy areas. This characteristic means that muck humus is usually wet, sticky, and hard to work with. However, it is extremely nutrient-dense and retains water very well. It is thus ideal for wetland restoration projects that require rich, moist soils.

  • Gall Humus

    It forms when oak trees galls within the soil's top layer. Galls are abnormal growths that resemble bumps or swellings on oak leaves, stems, or acorns. They are produced by insects or parasitic organisms that lay eggs on the tree. This means that humus form galls contains unique nutrients and chemical compounds derived from the insect activity within the galls. This makes it beneficial for soil health in small garden and agriculture areas looking to boost their nutrient diversity.

  • Worm Cast Humus

    Commonly referred to as vermicompost, worm cast humus is produced from the decomposition of organic matter by earthworms. Rich in nutrients and beneficial microorganisms, worm cast humus is fine, crumbly, and easy to work with. Thanks to its excellent nutrient availability and water-retention properties, it's ideal for use in both garden and agricultural applications, promoting healthy plant growth.

Features of Humus for Soil

Rich in Essential Nutrients

Humus for soil is rich in nutrients that are essential for plant growth. Some of them include nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Thanks to its breakdown organic matter, it provides these nutrients slowly over time as they become available to plants. This prevents nutrient leaching and ensures that plants have a steady supply of what they need to thrive.

Improves Soil Structure

As humus decomposes, it causes the particles around it to aggregate into larger clumps called aggregates or crumbs. This improves soil structure by increasing soil tilth, making it better for planting. Humus also binds soil particles together, creating a crumbly texture that improves aeration and root penetration. This is especially important in clayey and sandy soils, which are difficult to work with.

Enhances Water Retention

Humic acid powder

can hold up to 90% its weight in water. This makes it an indispensable addition to arid and drought-prone regions. It retains moisture in the soil, reducing the need for frequent watering and helping plants survive extended dry periods. By preventing water runoff and enhancing absorption, humus can also reduce soil erosion and promote sustainable gardening practices.

Encourages Microbial Activity

Humus acts as a food source for beneficial soil microorganisms like bacteria, fungi, and protozoa. These microorganisms help break down organic matter further, making nutrients more accessible to plants. They also form symbiotic relationships with plant roots, aiding in nutrient absorption and promoting healthy root development. The presence of humus in soil boosts microbial diversity, which improves overall soil health and fertility.

How to Use Humus for Soil

Soil Amendment

Garden humus is rich in nutrients and improves soil structure and fertility. This makes it ideal for amending poor or depleted soils. Mix humus into the top few inches of the soil before planting to give crops a nutrient boost. It improves the soil's ability to hold moisture and supports healthy root development in plants.

Seed Starting

Humus' fine texture and nutrient content make it ideal for starting seeds. It provides young plants with the nutrients they need to develop strong roots and leafy growth. Seed-starting mixes with humus in them support healthier, more resilient seedlings that are better equipped for transplanting.

Compost Tea

Humus can be steeped in water to make compost tea, a nutrient-rich liquid fertilizer. Humus is steeped in water to make a nutrient-dense liquid that nourishes plants directly. This gives an easy way to apply nutrients to the soil or foliage, promoting plant health and growth. It also boosts microbial activity in the soil.

Top Dressing

Applying a layer of humus to the soil surface around established plants is a top dressing. It slowly releases nutrients to plants over time and reduces water evaporation, keeping the soil moist. A top dressing of humus also suppresses weeds and encourages beneficial microbial activity just below the surface.

Lawns

Humus enhances soil quality and promotes a healthy, lush lawn. Mix humus into the soil when establishing new grass or use it as a top dressing over existing lawns. The nutrients in humus promote deeper root growth and greener grass. Its ability to retain moisture reduces the need for frequent watering, which is extremely beneficial in dry environments.

How to Choose Humus for Soil

Organic Matter Content

When buying humus for soil, consider the organic matter content, as the more organic matter present, the better the soil structure, aeration, and water retention. Ensure the humus contains a variety of decomposed materials like leaves, grass, or kitchen scraps.

Particle Size

The particle size of humus affects seed germination, root development, and overall plant growth. Choose humus with varied particle sizes to enhance porosity and provide different habitats for beneficial soil organisms. A range of particle sizes also improves the soil's ability to hold nutrients and water while supporting good drainage.

Nutrient Composition

Typically, nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium from decomposed animal manure, plant matter, and kitchen scraps remain in the humus. As well as macronutrients, also consider the presence of micronutrients such as iron, copper, and zinc, which are critical for various physiological plant processes, as they help to prevent and correct nutrient deficiencies in the garden or farm.

Microbial Activity

Soil health and plant growth benefits can be amplified by humus rich in beneficial microbes. The microbial population in the humus improves organic matter decomposition, nutrient release, and the establishment of a healthy microbial community in the soil. This boosts nutrient absorption and supports the plants' immune system and resistance to diseases.

Aeration and Porosity

Humus with good aeration and porosity improves root penetration and growth while ensuring enough oxygen supply to the roots. When choosing humus, go for one that has well-aerated particles to support root health and prevent issues like compaction which hampers plant growth.

Q & A

Q1. What is humus?

A1. Humus is decomposed organic matter that enriches the soil with nutrients and improves its structure, enhancing fertility and supporting healthy plant growth.

Q2. What are the benefits of humus?

A2. Humus improves soil fertility by providing essential nutrients to plants, boosts microbial activity, enhances water retention, supports healthy root development, and promotes sustainable agriculture practices.

Q3. What’s the difference between compost and humus?

A3. Humus is composed of fully decomposed organic matter, whereas compost is a mix of decomposed organic materials that hasn’t entirely transformed into humus yet and still contains identifiable organic matter.

Q4. Can humus be bought?

A4. Yes, humus can be bought at gardening stores and online through platforms like Alibaba. It’s available in bulk to cater to the farmer’s needs.

Q5. Does humus expire?

A5. Humus itself doesn’t expire in the conventional sense. However, its nutrient content can diminish over time. As long as it’s kept dry and well-aerated, it can be stored indefinitely.