Humus is the key to fertile soil
Humus increases the impact of filtering and buffering in soil. It has a sponge-like structure that leads to decontamination of soil. This leads to clean groundwater. A wonderful property of humus is its potential to sequester carbon. It can absorb 2-25 tons of CO2 per hectare and year, which considerably can contribute to climate protection.
Humus benefits water in agriculture
Humus protects soil against extreme temperatures. It means soil rich in humus does not get to higher temperature in summer that disturbs life in soil. Humus also protects soil pH and buffers the soil acidity and alkalinity. This allows soil particles to stay together and have strong interaction with roots of plants and trees.
Humus prevents soil degradation and stores water
Soils rich in humus increase water absorption capacity. Humus gives soil the opportunity to improve its porous structure as well as quickly absorb water. There are 600 earthworms per m2 in a soil containing proper amount of humus. This m2 can absorb 150 liters of water per hour. Humus increases water holding capacity. The greater the water holding capacity of soil is, the healthier the plant will grow and the safer the corresponding yield of crops becomes. In this regard, per 1% increase in humus content, 400 m3 additional water can be stored.
Humus makes soils better
Humus not only increases the crop yield but protects the biodiversity, especially under current agricultural practices. Humus makes soils resistant against extreme climate events and provides a situation in which nutrients will be easily accessible for plants. In general, humus keeps soil alive and biologically stable. This is a sign showing the obvious role of humus in obtaining the goal of food security and sustainable crop yield considering the increasing pressures of climate change. Humus is responsible for soil health and better soils, and thereby, the healthy soils are key to healthy and rich nutrients in the food we eat.