Decomposers break down complex organic matter into inorganic substances like carbon dioxide, water and nutrients and the process is called decomposition. Dead plant remains such as leaves, bark, flowers and dead remains of animals, including fecal matter, constitute detritus, which is the raw material for decomposition.

Which of the following is not a characteristic of humus ?

It is further degraded by the process of humification.

It is further degraded by the process of humification. Option 4 is correct .

Humus is dark brown amorphous gummy substance formed by partial decomposition of plant and animal matter. It constitutes the organic component of soil and is rich in lignin and cellulose. Humus is formed from organic remains through the activity of decomposer microorganisms. Process of formation of humus from raw organic remains is called humification.

Humus is quite resistant to microbial action. It is a reservoir of nutrients and is helpful in maintenance of soil moisture as well as aeration.

It is colloidal in nature. Nutrients are released slowly as the humus is decomposed slowly. Humus is further degraded by some microbes and release of inorganic nutrients occur by the process of mineralisation.