humus
7 synonyms for humus, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The dark, crumbly material in soil formed as dead leaves, plants and animals break down, which holds water and feeds growing plants.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use humus
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
rich in humus
humus layer
build up humus
humus content
Neutral; standard in gardening, agriculture and soil science.
Etymology
From Latin humus meaning 'earth' or 'ground'.
Full origin of humus →Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between humus and hummus?
Humus, with one m, is decayed organic matter in soil and is said HYOO-muhs. Hummus, with two, is the chickpea dip and is said HUUM-uhs. They are unrelated words.
What is the difference between humus and compost?
Compost is the material you make in a heap, which is still actively breaking down. Humus is the stable end product that remains once decomposition has largely finished, and it can persist in soil for years.
How do you add humus to soil?
Dig in or mulch with well-rotted compost, leaf mould or manure, then leave soil organisms to finish the job. Avoiding heavy digging also helps because it protects the humus already there.
