Anonymous

Which Soil Is Made From Ancient, Decayed Forests?

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Rajesh Shri Profile
Rajesh Shri answered
Our planet has a number of resources that support and enable life on it. While some resources are tucked away within the recesses of her womb, many are easily available and hence taken for granted. Some examples of resources close at hand are: the atmosphere, water, soil and vegetation.

Soil is a very important resource that enables agriculture, which in turn, sustains our existence. The fragments of rocks that are spread out on the land surface of the earth are referred to as soil. The type and quality of soil differs from region to region and is distinct in the use for growing different crops. Soil types are commonly referred to as heavy, light, poor, good, sandy, clayey, loom or humus. The different soil types are classified on the basis of their components and texture.

Humus or Histosols is organic soil that results from the remnants of ancient, decayed forests. The soil is rich in organic matter and humus. The dead leaves and decayed animal and plant remains add to the fertility of the soil. The soil is extensively used in agriculture and the naturally enriched texture supports the growth of all food grains. Histosols is also referred to as peat and mucks. The soil is extensively mined for precious fuel and horticultural products.
Alan Clegg Profile
Alan Clegg answered
I think you are referring to "Peat" which is not in fact a soil. It is decayed vegetable matter which has been allowed to decay under pressure for 1000s of years.
It can be used for growing plants but it needs a lot of added nutrients.
But it is more commonly used as fuel for fires as in Ireland and parts of Russia and even parts of central Africa. Sometimes this "peat' can be as much as 20 feet thick and the deeper ones goes the harder and more useful it becomes.
It was used in power stations in Ireland until recently when the "peat bogs" began to run out.

I hope this helps.

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