What is Garden Humus?

Organic humus is good for your garden soil and your plants. People are often confused about garden Humus. Especially confusing, is when contrasting it to compost. So, let’s take away your confusion by defining Humus.

Let’s start by understanding what compost is. Compost is decomposed plant matter, that is rich in nutrients and minerals. After applying compost in your garden, it gives up its nitrogen, phosphorous, and other nutrients, slowly leaching them into the soil. Despite being “decomposed”, the compost breaks down further. What remains is soft material which is called garden humus. While this material may no longer contain significant amounts of minerals and nutrients to feed your plant, it is an excellent soil enricher. This soft material keeps the soil loose. It holds tiny pockets of air which is essential to plant roots. being loose in composition, the roots of plants can easily grow through it as they go deeper in search of moisture.   

Organic humus does not have the mineral and nutritional content to feed your plants. But, this remnant of the decomposition process is still a very good soil conditioner. It improves the structure of the soil, helping to keep the soil loose. It also retains water in the soil.