👉 In the context of environmental science, a humus is a type of organic matter that has been transformed into a nutrient-rich soil medium. Humus is formed in the Earth's ancient oceans and is now found in various forms on Earth's surface. It is composed primarily of minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium, and sulfur, along with other organic compounds like proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids.
The term "humus" was coined by American chemist Henry S. Smith in 1
humuses