Question

What is humus and Difference between the Mor and mull humus?

Answer 1

Hint: The organic component of the soil, which is formed by the decomposition of leaves and other plant material and most common animal matter decays which is done by soil microorganisms example bacteria, fungus, actinomycetes etc.

Complete answer:
Humus is dark brown organic material that forms when the plants leaves and animal matter decays. When the plant drops leaves, twigs, and other material to the ground it piles up into the ground. Humus denominates the fraction of soil organic matter that is amorphous. It makes the soil porous which increases its air and water holding capacity. Humus is rich in the nutrients that helps in plant growth. Being its dark brown to black colour it absorbs the heat and makes it warm to the soil. Humus also increases the soil digestion and microbial activity of the soil, and most importantly it improves buffering capacity of the soil which means neutralize the pH of the soil.
Humus has three types which are following:
1. Mor
2. Moder
3. Mull

Difference between the mull and mor type of humus
> Mor humus: Mor is the type of soil which is found in coniferous forest and moorlands soil. This humus occurs under conditions of low biological activity of the soil. The mineralisation of the organic matter is preceded slowly and creates layers, which maintain the structure of vegetables. Acidophilic fungi and low active organisms participate in transformations of plant residues.
The C/N ratio of the mor humus is always more than 20 or 30-40 whereas pH of the soil is acidic.

> Mull humus: Mull is the type of humus characteristics of chestnuts soil, phaeozems, and other soils. Mull is a well humified organic matter which is produced in a very active biologically habitat. This type of humus has neutral pH and the C/N ratio of the mull humus is near 10 and has the ability to create stable mineral organic complexes.
Mull is a type of humus which occurs under conditions of cultivation. In this humus predominant fulvic acid fraction is there.

Note: Humus is formed by the decomposition of materials without the presence of oxygen. Humus forms are made up of soil horizons located at or near the surface which are formed from the organic residues. Horizons that may comprise a humus form include L, F, H and Ah.