Soil structure and humus

In short: Soil consists of minerals, humus, water, air and living organisms. Humus arises from decomposed plant remains and makes soil fertile.

In more detail: A healthy soil stores water and nutrients, lets roots breathe and is full of life: earthworms, fungi and bacteria.

In detail

• Layers: On top the humus layer (topsoil), below the subsoil and the parent rock.
• Soil types: Sand (loose, dries quickly), loam (medium, stores water), clay (heavy, waterlogged).
• Earthworms: They loosen, mix and form stable crumbs.
• Erosion: Wind and water carry off bare soil. Planting and mulch protect it (kompost-anlegen).
• Compaction: Heavy machinery and walking compact soil and harm life.