The importance of humus for the garden: What is humus and why is it crucial for healthy plant development?

The importance of humus for the garden: What is humus and why is it crucial for healthy plant development?

The importance of humus for the garden: What is humus and why is it crucial for healthy plant development?

Humus is an essential part of a healthy garden. It forms the nutrient and water reservoir in the soil and supports plant development in a variety of ways. In this article we will take a detailed look at the importance of humus for the garden. We will explain what humus is, how it is created and what benefits it brings to plants.

What is humus?

Humus is the part of soil created by the natural biodegradation of plant and animal materials. It is an organic material that is created by the decay of dead plants and animals. During the decomposition process, complex organic compounds are converted into simpler compounds. This decomposition process occurs through the activity of soil organisms such as bacteria, fungi, worms and insects.

How is humus created?

The creation of humus is a continuous process. When plants and animals die, their remains are broken down by soil life. The microorganisms in the soil, especially the bacteria and fungi, feed on the dead plant and animal materials, releasing enzymes that enable the decomposition process. This creates smaller molecules such as carbon compounds and nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.

During the decomposition process, the carbon in the plant and animal materials is stabilized and converted into humus. This humus is a loose, crumbly substance rich in organic compounds and nutrients. Humus is dark in color, indicating that it contains a high concentration of carbon.

The benefits of humus for plant development

Humus plays a crucial role in plant health and growth. Here are some of the key benefits of humus:

1.Nutrient supply: Humus contains a high concentration of nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and trace elements. These nutrients are essential for plant growth and are gradually released as they are absorbed by the roots. This ensures a continuous supply of nutrients over a longer period of time.

2.Water storage: Humus has the ability to store and slowly release water. Through this ability, humus helps regulate the water content in the soil. It can absorb large amounts of water and release it to the plants when needed. This is particularly beneficial during dry periods as the soil can retain moisture for longer and protects the plants from drying out.

3.Improve soil structure: Humus has a positive effect on the soil structure. It gives the soil a loose and crumbly texture that promotes root growth and improves soil aeration. Good soil structure allows plant roots to spread more easily and absorb water and nutrients efficiently.

4.Regulate pH value: Humus plays an important role in regulating pH in the soil. It acts as a buffer and helps keep the pH in the optimal range for plant growth. This is particularly important because many plant species are sensitive to soil pH levels and incorrect pH levels can lead to nutrient deficiencies or excesses.

5.Erosion protection: Humus plays a crucial role in protecting soil from erosion. Due to its loose structure and ability to store water, humus prevents the soil from being washed away during heavy rain. It acts as a protective layer and slows water flow, reducing the risk of soil erosion.

Frequently asked questions

1. How can I increase the amount of humus in my garden?

The amount of humus in a garden can be increased by adding organic material, such as compost, rotted leaves, mulch or animal manure. These materials are incorporated into the soil and broken down by soil organisms. This process creates new humus and increases the amount of humus in the soil.

2. How often should I add humus to my garden?

It is advisable to add a layer of organic material of about 5-10 cm to the garden annually. This ensures a continuous supply of nutrients and humus into the soil.

3. Is it possible to have too much humus in the soil?

Yes, excessive humus content can cause problems. Too much humus can make the soil highly acidic and impair root growth. It is important to consider the optimal amount of humus for each soil type and plant species.

4. Can I buy hummus instead of making it myself?

Yes, it is possible to buy humus. However, it is advisable to make humus yourself, as this is more cost-effective and offers the opportunity to recycle garden waste and thus obtain humus of high quality.

5. Are there certain plants that particularly benefit from humus?

Basically, all plant species benefit from sufficient humus in the soil. Plants with a high nutrient requirement, such as vegetables or perennials, can particularly benefit from the additional nutrient supply provided by humus.

Conclusion

Humus is crucial for a healthy garden. It improves the soil structure, promotes root growth, stores water and continuously provides nutrients for the plants. Adding organic matter can increase the amount of humus in the soil, resulting in improved plant health and increased yields. It's worth investing time and effort into promoting and maintaining humus to maintain a thriving and healthy garden.