humussubstanserna

Humussubstanserna, often referred to as humic substances, are a complex mixture of organic compounds found in soil and aquatic environments. They are the end products of the decomposition of plant and animal matter by microorganisms. Humus, the organic component of soil, is primarily composed of these humussubstanserna.

These substances are broadly classified into three main fractions based on their solubility: humins, humic acids, and fulvic acids. Humins are insoluble in both acidic and alkaline solutions. Humic acids are soluble in alkaline solutions but precipitate out in acidic conditions. Fulvic acids are soluble in both alkaline and acidic solutions. This solubility difference is a key characteristic used for their separation and study.

Humussubstanserna play a crucial role in soil health and ecosystem functioning. They contribute to soil structure, improving water retention and aeration. They also act as a reservoir for nutrients, releasing them slowly for plant uptake. Furthermore, humussubstanserna can bind to and detoxify pollutants, influencing the environmental fate of various contaminants. Their dark color also contributes to the dark color of fertile soils. Understanding humussubstanserna is important for soil science, environmental remediation, and agriculture.