Q. Consider the following statements:
- Humus undergoes decomposition at an extremely slow rate.
- Humus is colloidal in nature and serves as a reservoir of nutrients.
Which of the above is / are correct?
Answer:
Both 1 and 2
Notes: Humification and mineralisation occur during decomposition in the soil. Humification leads to accumulation of a dark coloured amorphous substance called humus that is highly resistant to microbial action and undergoes decomposition at an extremely slow rate. Being colloidal in nature it serves as a reservoir of nutrients. The humus is further degraded by some microbes and release of inorganic nutrients occur by the process known as mineralization.