Humusmäärä

Humusmäärä refers to the quantity or amount of humus present in a soil. Humus itself is the decomposed organic matter in soil, resulting from the breakdown of plant and animal residues by microorganisms. It is a complex mixture of stable organic compounds that plays a crucial role in soil health and fertility.

The humusmäärä is a key indicator of soil quality. Soils rich in humus generally exhibit better physical properties, such as improved soil structure, aeration, and water-holding capacity. This is because humus particles bind soil aggregates together, preventing compaction and erosion. Furthermore, humus is a significant reservoir of plant nutrients. As it slowly decomposes, it releases essential elements like nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur that are vital for plant growth.

Factors influencing humusmäärä include the type and amount of organic material added to the soil, the climate, soil temperature, moisture levels, and the activity of soil microorganisms. In temperate climates with sufficient moisture, decomposition rates are often balanced with organic matter input, leading to stable or increasing humus levels. In contrast, dry or very hot climates may lead to faster decomposition and lower humusmäärä, while cold climates can result in slow decomposition and accumulation of organic matter. Agricultural practices, such as the use of cover crops, manure, and reduced tillage, can significantly impact the humusmäärä. Monitoring and managing humusmäärä is therefore an important aspect of sustainable soil management.