Question

Differentiate between the following:

Humification and Mineralisation

Answer 1

Basis of Difference	Humification	Mineralisation
Definition	Humification is the process of formation of a dark-coloured amorphous substance called humus from dead and decomposing organic matter.	Mineralisation is the further degradation of humus by microbes to release inorganic substances.
Product	It produces humus, which is colloidal and highly resistant to microbial action.	It produces simple inorganic substances such as carbon dioxide, water, ammonium, calcium, magnesium, and potassium ions.
Role in soil	Humus acts as a reservoir of nutrients in the soil.	Mineralisation makes nutrients available to plants for reuse.
Speed of process	Humus undergoes very slow decomposition.	It occurs when microbes degrade humus further after humification.
Sequence in decomposition	It occurs after fragmentation, leaching, and catabolism.	It occurs after humification in the decomposition process.