humus
Dark soil matter
Humus is the dark, organic component of soil formed from decomposed plant and animal matter.
It enriches soil by improving its structure, water retention, and nutrient content.
Gardeners add compost to build humus: The forest floor was rich with humus.
Not to be confused with hummus, the chickpea spread.
Decayed organic fertilizer
- decayGradual organic breakdown
- rotOrganic breakdown process
- biodegradationMicrobial breakdown of organics
- decompositionBreakdown into simpler parts
detritus · breakdown · putrefaction · moldering · disintegration · leaves · mulch · humification
Nutrient-rich surface earth
- loamFertile soil mixture
- siltWaterborne earth particles
- clayMoldable earth for ceramics
- sandFine rock particles
peat · substrate · horizon · profile · texture · structure · porosity · permeability
Fertile soil mixture
- terroirGeography's influence on taste
- petrichorScent of rain-soaked ground
- mustyStale from dampness
- woodsyResembling forested areas
mossy · damp · rich · dark · crumbly · friable · aromatic · earthiness
Decayed organic fertilizer
- manureAnimal waste as fertilizer
- mulchProtective plant bedding
- vermicompostWorm-digested organic material
- leafmoldDecomposed leaf material
biosolids · biomass · permaculture · agroecology · sustainability · composting · browns · greens
Dark earth tone
- umberNatural earth pigment
- sepiaReddish-brown pigment
- chocolateSweet from cacao seeds
- coffeeBrewed bean beverage
espresso · mahogany · chestnut · blackish · sienna · peat · molasses
Element seven, colorless gas
- phosphorusGlow-in-dark element
- potassiumNineteenth element, symbol K
- calciumElement twenty, builds bones
- magnesiumAlkaline earth metal
sulfur · micronutrients · fertilization · amendment · enrichment · nourishment · minerals · chelation
compost
Decayed organic fertilizer
- decayGradual organic breakdown
- rotOrganic breakdown process
- biodegradationMicrobial breakdown of organics
decomposition · detritus · breakdown · putrefaction · moldering · disintegration · leaves · mulch · humification · detritivores
topsoil
Nutrient-rich surface earth
sand · peat · substrate · horizon · profile · texture · structure · porosity · permeability · aeration
loam
Fertile soil mixture
woodsy · mossy · damp · rich · dark · crumbly · friable · aromatic · earthiness · fungal
compost
Decayed organic fertilizer
- manureAnimal waste as fertilizer
- mulchProtective plant bedding
- vermicompostWorm-digested organic material
leafmold · biosolids · biomass · permaculture · agroecology · sustainability · composting · browns · greens
brown
Dark earth tone
coffee · espresso · mahogany · chestnut · blackish · sienna · peat · molasses
nitrogen
Element seven, colorless gas
- phosphorusGlow-in-dark element
- potassiumNineteenth element, symbol K
- calciumElement twenty, builds bones
magnesium · sulfur · micronutrients · fertilization · amendment · enrichment · nourishment · minerals · chelation · cation
- human beingMember of Homo sapiens
- human bodyCorporeal self
- human natureInborn behavioral tendencies shared universally
- human rightsInalienable personal freedoms
- human lifeA person's earthly existence
- human raceAll people collectively