1. Home
  2. Home & Garden
  3. Organic Gardening

Humus

By Colleen Vanderlinden, About.com

Definition: Humus is the end result of the composting process. After organic matter breaks down, it becomes a crumbly, dark brown or black substance known as humus. It also occurs in nature whenever organic matter is left to decompose, such as on the forest floor or when organic mulch breaks down in a garden bed.
Common Misspellings: hummus humous
Examples: The humus that results from the composting process has a sweet, earthy smell.

Explore Organic Gardening

More from About.com

  1. Home
  2. Home & Garden
  3. Organic Gardening
  4. Organic Gardening 101
  5. Organic Gardening Glossary
  6. Humus

©2008 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.