by Q. Which of the following statements with reference to Humus is/are correct?
UPSC CDS Examination (I) 2025 – General Knowledge
1. It is a dark coloured amorphous substance.
2. Being colloidal in nature, it serves as a reservoir of nutrients.
Select the answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2
Explanation:
● Humus is a dark-coloured, amorphous organic substance formed by the decomposition of plant and animal remains in the soil.
● Being colloidal in nature, humus has a high surface area and strong adsorption capacity, which enables it to hold and store nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and micronutrients.
● This property allows humus to act as a reservoir of nutrients, releasing them slowly to plants and improving soil fertility.
Therefore, both statements 1 and 2 are correct, and option (c) is the correct answer.
Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2
