Humus Compost (This is What you Need to Know)

There seems to be some confusion in the gardening world between “compost” and “humus.”

These two terms are used very casually, making some people think that “compost” and “humus” and even “soil” are basically the same kind of thing. 

And many garden centers also sell something called “Humus compost.” But what exactly are you getting, and how is this stuff different from other types of compost?

There’s a fundamental difference between these things that is essential to understand. 

This article explains everything you need to know about humus vs. compost. 

So next time you visit the garden center, you won’t get “led up the garden path”!

What is humus compost?

Humus compost is a mature soil amendment rich in rotted organic matter. It has a dark brown color and a very fine particle size, with a neutral smell.

You’re probably thinking, “OK… great,” but how does it differ from other types of compost? Isn’t compost the same as humus anyway?

Humus compost is a type of compost that has a higher humus content than, for example, partially rotted compost.

To understand what humus compost is (or should be), you need to have a good grasp of these two things independently:

• Humus
• Compost

Let’s take a closer look at each of these things…

Compost vs. Humus 

Strictly speaking, compost and humus are two terms that mean different things. 

When the organic matter has almost completely decomposed, it becomes a stable material called humus. But waste materials that are still actively decomposing are called compost.

So humus is not compost, but the organic components of compost become humus.

Confused?

Yes, I was too…

Why is humus compost important?

Soil is made up of both mineral and organic matter. 

• The mineral part:  sand, silt, or clay. 
• The organic part: rotting plant and animal matter.

For example, forest soil is rich in organic matter. But most garden soils are more mineral and have fewer organic particles. The soil in your backyard might be heavy with clay or extremely sandy. 

But it’s not very organic.

Therefore, most garden topsoil needs additional organic stuff to improve the soil quality.

What is the difference between compost and humus?

Compost is rich in organic materials that are in the process of decay. Humus is the end product of composting after all the organic matter has decomposed. However, compost continues to contribute valuable properties to soil even after it has completely rotted away, thanks to the remaining humus.

The main benefit of compost is that it’s very rich in organic matter. Precisely the kind of thing most garden soil is missing. 

Both humus and compost are beneficial to soil in several ways. Here’s a quick list of some of the benefits:

Compost:

• Compost is an organic substance that is still in the process of decomposition.
• It increases soil life by adding beneficial microorganisms.
• These microorganisms break down organic waste and convert it into plant nutrients.
• Compost attracts invertebrates like worms, improving the soil, creating openings in the earth, and leaving nutrient-rich castings.
• Compost adds coarse structure to poor soil and improves water retention and drainage.

Humus:

• Stable humus is organic matter which is almost completely broken down into its smallest parts.
• Humus has a structure very much like a sponge and has a high water holding capacity (up to 80% of its weight in moisture). 
• This very fine structure also holds onto micronutrients and prevents them from washing away. 
• The nutrients stocked by humus are available to plant roots for feeding.
• The dark, almost black color of humus helps warm soil in the springtime.
• It’s said that humus can help balance soil pH (acidity/alkalinity).
• Humus also helps suppress disease.

As you can see, compost and the humus contained or produced by compost have extraordinary properties that are highly beneficial to soil and plant health.

These helpful properties stem from the fact that they are organic substances (not mineral). Organic matter is food for other living organisms. Soil with little organic content has meager soil life, which is not good for your plants.

The main difference between compost and humus is that compost has a relatively coarse structure and fresh organic materials that haven’t finished rotting. The process of making humus is ongoing within the compost. As the compost continues to break down, it eventually becomes stable humus. 

Humus rich compost

Since both of these organic soil amendments (humus and compost) provide valuable characteristics, it’s understandable that some gardeners want “humus compost” for their gardens. 

After all, humus-rich soils help plants reach their full potential.

Humus compost is a type of “humus-rich compost” containing a significant amount of humus.

At least that’s what the manufacturers will tell you. So be careful what you buy. It should be dark brown and granular with a pleasant neutral smell. 

Commercially made humus compost is manufactured using good standards of composting. They keep the piles at a hot temperature, turning at just the right moment and adding moisture so that microbial activity is at its best. As a result, the organic ingredients (such as straw and manure) break down into fine, dark brown compost that is mature and closer to “humus” than most other types of soil amendment.

Controlling and speeding up the decomposition rate in this way helps the composition of humus. 

The term “Humus compost” is also used to describe natural mature compost that has been extracted from woodland and forest floors. The quality of a product like this is more random.

You can also make your own humus compost if you carefully control the process. For example, wholly finished and mature compost made from yard waste will contain a high humus level.

Which is better: humus or compost?

Neither humus nor compost is better than the other. However, both contribute essential benefits for healthy plant and soil life. 

I don’t think you need to privilege one substance over the other. On the contrary, combining both will probably create the best results.

How are humus and compost similar?

Humus and compost have similar beneficial effects. For a start, they both add structure to poor soil and help water retention and drainage. Each can break up compacted soils like clay and bind sandy soil.

Good humus content creates soil capable of holding on to rainwater enough to retain moisture for plant uptake. Still, it also holds that moisture loosely enough to avoid flooding. And the rougher texture of compost acts similarly by creating openings for better drainage and root growth.

The organic ingredients in compost provide food for soil life and promote nutrient availability. And the nutrient stocking capabilities of humus mean that nutrients remain available. So even after rainfall, the nutrients won’t leach away so easily.

There you have it! Now you know a great deal about humus and compost. You can go share your findings with your gardening buddies 🙂

Humus Compost FAQ:

Is humus the same as compost?

Humus is not the same thing as compost. Still, the organic ingredients in compost are transformed into “humic substances” near the end of the decomposition process. 

Does compost contain humus?

Mature compost contains humus, but immature compost does not. Organic materials need to decompose sufficiently to form humus. The process is sometimes referred to as “humification.”

What compost is rich in humus?

Mature, stable compost that has been well-rotted contains a good amount of humus. This can be entirely finished homemade compost or a commercially bought humus-rich soil amendment.