Humus is slightly acidic.
Understanding Humus and its pH
Humus, the dark organic matter in soil formed from decomposed plant and animal material, typically has a pH of around 5. This means it falls on the acidic side of the pH scale (0-14, with 7 being neutral). This slight acidity is primarily due to its humic acid content. [^1][^2][^3][^4] Many plants thrive in slightly acidic soil, making humus a beneficial soil amendment. [^1] Furthermore, humus acts as a buffer, stabilizing soil pH and preventing drastic changes in acidity. [^1]
Several sources confirm the acidic nature of humus:
- Slightly Acidic pH: Humus generally exhibits a pH around 5, indicating slight acidity. [^1][^8][^9][^10]
- Humic Acid Content: The presence of humic acids contributes significantly to the acidic nature of humus. [^4]
- Beneficial for Plants: The slightly acidic environment created by humus is ideal for many plant species. [^1][^8]
- pH Stabilization: Humus helps maintain a stable soil pH, preventing extreme fluctuations in acidity. [^1]
[^1]: Reference: Humus is slightly acidic, generally about 5 on the pH scale. Many plants thrive in gently acidic soil, so having it in the soil makes for happier crops. It also stabilizes the pH in the soil, acting as a kind of buffer for the compounds that can greatly change its acidity.27-Oct-2022
[^2]: Reference: Humus is rich in carbon and is generally acidic as a result of its humic acid content. It increases the water storage potential of the soil and produces...
[^3]: Reference: In classical soil science, humus is the dark organic matter in soil that is formed by the decomposition of plant and animal matter. It is a kind of soil...
[^4]: Reference: Humus is rich in carbon and is generally acidic as a result of its humic acid content. It increases the water storage potential of the soil and produces...
[^8]: Reference: Humus soil retains the water, nutrients and trace elements necessary for plant growth. Its acidity makes it an ideal substrate for growing heather plants. Very...
[^9]: Reference: Mildly acidic in composition, this humus is well suited for gardening.
[^10]: Reference: Your soil is either acidic, alkaline, or neutral, as reflected by its pH number, which ranges from 0-14. Every plant has...
