Earth contains liquid, solid and gaseous components. The topsoil consists of plant and living residues decomposed by microorganisms. It is called humus and takes 10-20 centimeters. It is on it that flowers, trees, vegetables grow .
Below it is a low-fertile soil layer of 10-50 centimeters.
Nutrients are washed out of acid and water, so it is called the leaching (leaching) horizon. Own elements are released here due to chemical, biological, physical processes, clay minerals appear.
Deeper is the mother breed. It also has useful elements. For example, calcium, silicon, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus and others.
Let's take a closer look at humus, as it plays a very important role in our lives.
Humus: education, concept
The soil was formed during the weathering of rocks and consists of organic and inorganic components. In addition, air and water are present in it. This is only a scheme, but in fact, each layer is developed separately in accordance with certain conditions. Our land only seems homogeneous, it is inhabited by worms, insects, bacteria.
The topsoil is its cover. In forests, it is represented by organic residues and flying leaves, in open areas - by grassy vegetation. The cover protects the earth from drying out, hail, cold. Under it, the remains of insects and animals are decomposed. In the process of this decomposition, the soil is enriched with mineral elements in a natural way.
Humus is inhabited by living organisms, penetrated by the roots of trees and plants, saturated with air. Its structure is loose, in the form of lumps. Here, the formation and accumulation of nutrients by root systems occurs.
Anyone knows that the topsoil, or rather, humus, is very important for fertility. The black substance contains carbon and nitrogen. This is a kind of kitchen where food is prepared for planting (active humus). Also in this layer, a balance of nutrients, water and air regimes (stable humus) is created.
What affects the fertile soil
The topsoil is affected by the processing technology, type, climate, crop rotation. In the garden, by adding organic additives and rotted compost, stable humus can be significantly increased.
For gardening, the type of soil is important . It depends on the mineral composition. Vegetable plants grow well on neutral or slightly acidic lands.
There are fertility indicators:
- Total acidity.
- Actual acidity.
- Cation exchange.
- The need for liming.
- Saturation with bases.
- Grading.
- Organic content.
- The content of macronutrients.
Fertility is affected by the indicator "soil density". High values lead to a deterioration of the air regime, difficulty in mobilizing nutrients, and insufficient root growth. Low density delays the growth of the root system due to voids and leads to increased evaporation of moisture.
Currently, there are fertilizers and additives, as well as various procedures to improve the quality of the fertile layer. But the earth needs to rest. Remember this!