Question
Biology Question on Eco-System
Which of the following is not a characteristic of humus?
It is rich in organic matter such as lignin and cellulose
It is colloidal in nature and serves as a reservoir of nutrients
It is highly resistant to microbial action and undergoes slow decomposition
It is further degraded by the process of humification
It is further degraded by the process of humification
Solution
Humus is dark brown amorphous gummy substance formed by partial decomposition of plant and animal matter. It constitutes the organic component of soil and is rich in lignin and cellulose. Humus is formed from organic remains through the activity of decomposer microorganisms. Process of formation of humus from raw organic remains is called humification. Humus is quite resistant to microbial action. It is a reservoir of nutrients and is helpful in maintenance of soil moisture as well as aeration. It is colloidal in nature. Nutrients are released slowly as the humus is decomposed slowly. Humus is further degraded by some microbes and release of inorganic nutrients occur by the process of mineralisation.