Question

Define the term humus, humification, and mineralization.

Answer 1

Hint: Dead and decaying parts of the plant and animals are finely divided by the microbial microorganisms and forms an organic matter in the soil. This non- living organic matter in the soil is called humus. Humification is the process of the formation of humus. Creating a mineral by the combination of a metal with other elements. This process is known as mineralization.

Complete answer:
Humus -Humus is a fertile and very important element of the soil. Above the soil, it is present as the dark organic material. The organic matter mainly comprises of Dead and decaying plant and animal parts, dried leaves, twigs, grasses, vegetables, microbes, and other nutrients.
Humification-The process where the process of formation of humus takes place. When the Dead plants and animals decompose by microorganisms it produces a black amorphous substance. This black amorphous substance is further decomposed by microorganisms and is transformed into the organic polymer. Thus they cannot be decomposed further and are stable.
Mineralization-It is a process in which organic substance is converted into an inorganic substance with the help of soil microorganisms. It is the process in which there is a complete breakdown of organic substance and the end products are carbon dioxide water and nutrients
Additional information
-Humus being formed by the decaying animal and plant body parts considered the naturally obtained soil which can be easily produced by a process called composting.
-Formation of soils takes place by the weathering of rocks and humification of the remaining parts of the plants.
-The advanced stage of decomposition is known as mineralization

Note: -So, decomposition does not always lead to mineralization.
-Decomposition can occur due to physical, chemical, or biological processes.