What is the difference between compost and organic humus?

Answer 1

The popular scientific definition of humus is "A more or less biologically stable, dark, amorphous material formed by the microbial decomposition of plant and animal residues". It is difficult to visibly differentiate humus from organic matter in other stages of decay. Compost, well rotted manures and peat are not necessarily humus. However, at some hard-to-define point, all of these organic materials will contribute immeasurably to the humus content in the soil.

The term Humus doesn't really describe anything specific. It is like referring to a beagle or a poodle as a dog. There are numerous types of dog, and likewise, humus can be made up of numerous different compositions. Humus is sometimes defined as the end product from the decomposition of organic residues, but since it is always changing, it is hard to really refer to it as an end product.

So basically, organic humus would be the organic material that is present in the top layers of the soil as a result of the natural decomposition of plant material and animal waste. Compost is decomposed plant material and animal waste that is added to soil, used to essentially create an artificial humus layer in your soil.

Answer 2

Humus Compost

Answer 3

In finished compost, the biological interactions of the compost builders is complete. Compost has reached the desired level of nutrient balance and is ready to us. Organic humus is still having a lot of microbial activity and is not finished composting.

Answer 4

when making compost, it is often recommended to add fertilizers like ammonium sulfate (acidifying) to hasten microbial decomposition and therefore will invalidate it as organic.

Most organic humus are collected from the litters of the forest or even your yard waste. Naturally decomposed without adding amendments or inorganic fertilizers.