Question

What characteristic of humus allows it to act as a nutrient reservoir?

Options

• Its colloidal nature

• Its dark colour

• Its water-soluble composition

• Its resistance to decomposition

Answer 1

Humus is colloidal in nature, meaning it consists of fine particles suspended in the soil. This colloidal structure allows humus to hold and retain mineral ions through chemical bonding, creating a nutrient reservoir. Plants can gradually extract these nutrients, and humus releases them slowly, providing a steady supply of minerals to plant roots.