The humus or organic fertilizer (as it is also known) consists of a substance composed of certain natural products that come from the advanced decomposition of organic remains. It is characterized by having a blackish color due to its high carbon content. Normally it can be obtained in the widths of the forests, however, there is also a way to prepare it at home.
The organic elements that make up humus are considered stable because of their high state of decomposition. Since they cannot be significantly modified over time.
humus properties
The humus in an organic product that contains endless properties for soil and plants, some of them can be defined as follows:
- High content of bioavailable nutrients.
- High level of microorganisms.
- Rich in growth hormones.
- Rich in humic acids.
- Protects plants against pests and diseases.
benefits of humus
Benefits of humus for soil
Among the benefits offered by humus are the following:
Humus contains the necessary nutrients ready to be assimilated by plants. Because it has all the required chemical and microbiological transformations.
As it is made up entirely of organic waste, the smoke is a completely organic product that does not use any type of chemical product. It is a fertilizer allowed in organic farming.
- It improves soil structure
The effect of humus is surprising, it makes the soil lighter and softer and therefore easier to work. On the one hand, it reduces the effort of the horticulturist in the different jobs and on the other hand facilitates plant life that they can take root more easily and deeply.
Humus is an odorless fertilizer, it does not smell like manure, but rather smells like wet earth like the one that can be found among the undergrowth. For this reason it is particularly suitable in a context of urban garden or cultivation on the balcony. Because in these places it is difficult to store and use products that generate unpleasant odors.
- Increase production
By being able to detoxify the soil from contaminants with chemical products and increase the defenses against pests and crop diseases, the production of the plant is increased.
Between 15 and 25% of irrigation water can be saved when humus is used, since it has a high water capacity. In addition, it has a neutral pH that helps restore the balance of plants.
It is capable of activating the biological processes of the soil. It is also the best natural rooting medium.
Earthworm humus
Worm humus also called vermicompost, is considered the highest quality natural fertilizer in the world. It consists of the result of the digestive transformation that earthworms exert on organic matter.
earthworm humus
The worm is an animal that has the ability to biodegrade organic matter in a matter of hours, which naturally takes months. This is thanks to the powerful action of its digestive system, which generates a product with a uniform granular texture and cylindrical shape. It has a dark brown or black coloration and a fresh earthy aroma. This humus is composed of carbon, oxygen, nitrogen and all the macro and microelements that are used to give it origin.
Benefits
The beneficial microflora containing worm humus, cannot be matched to any similar fertilizer. Because it has a bacterial content of up to two billion colonies per gram of sample. Making it the best life inoculator in the soils that use it.
Humus has a magnet action that allows the union between soil particles and gives rise to granular structures that allow optimal root development. It also improves gas exchange, activates soil microorganisms and increases the oxidation of organic matter. This considerably favors the optimal plant development.
How to prepare worm humus?
Vermicomposting can be done easily at home. Next, we will indicate each of the steps to follow.
Make a worm composter
It can be made at home with a wooden or plastic box. It can also be purchased at any garden store without any complications as it is an inexpensive item and there are several sizes.
choose a good place
The most important thing when choosing a site to place the vermicomposter, is that it has shade and is protected from wind and rain. If you have a garden with trees, you can place it under one of them.
Prepare the “bed”
The first layer to be placed in the vermicomposter should not be the composting material, but a “bed” made with peat or coconut fiber. The material chosen is not important, but whatever it is, it must be moistened before placing it. And this base should be about three fingers deep.
add the worms
The worms that are most used to make humus are the Californian red called Eisenda foetida. This species is used for its great voracitysince by consuming a lot, they also produce a greater amount of humus in less time.
The worms should be placed on top of the first layer of material that has been previously laid. Then the container is covered and the worms are allowed to get used to their new home for at least a day before adding the material to be composted.
add organic matter
After 1 or 2 days you can place the plant remains that will serve to feed the worms. Adding them little by little, increasing the amount as the worm population increases. If everything works correctly, after a week in the bottom pan it should start to accumulate a liquid secreted by the worms.
Harvest the humus
At the bottom of the tray the feces will fall that you must collect at the end of the process, you will know that the time has come when the matter is similar to the earth.
How to use humus
The amount of humus that should be used for the plants will depend on their size. For large trees it will be 2 to 3 kg, while for small plants and bushes 500 g or 1 kg.