Question

Give one function which is not performed by the humus.

Answer 1

Hint: Humus is an organic substance formed by decomposition of dead plants, leaves and other plant material.

Complete step by step answer:
Function of humus:
Humus increases the plant ability to withstand soil erosion.
It makes the soil porous thereby increasing the water and air holding capacity.
Humus is usually black in colour and acts as absorbent for heat hence keeping the soil warm.
Humus can hold about 80–$90\%$ of its weight in moisture, hence it can help to withstand drought like conditions.
It also contributes to climate change by removing excess carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
Humus is colloidal in nature and hence increases the cation exchange capacity and therefore increases the chance to retain nutrients.
It also helps to keep the nutrients intact and prevent them from being leached out by water.
There are two types of humus effective humus and stable humus.
Effective humus provides nutrients for microbes.
Stable humus acts as a long-term storage of minerals and nutrients.
Humus stores nitrogen, which is essential for plants.

Humus cannot kill microbe that is it has no role in killing any harmful microbes.

Note:
The process of formation of humus is called humification. It can occur naturally in soil or artificially in compost.