Humus /ˈ(h)yo͞oməs/ - noun

October 30, 2019

Definition: The organic component of soil, formed by the decomposition of leaves and other plant material by soil microorganisms.

In the Forest Garden: The organisms present in soil—earthworms, nematodes, protozoa, fungi, bacteria, and more—are vital to crop production as they eat and excrete organic matter in the soil, decomposing it into rich humus full of nutrients and minerals that can be absorbed by plants’ roots.

Did you know? Everything is better with humus because healthy soils yield healthy crops! Fertile soils teem with life, with more than a billion microorganisms in every handful. 

Read our blog to learn more about the importance of healthy soil!