Question

Differentiate between humification and mineralization.

Answer 1

Humification	Mineralization
A process by which simplified detritus gets converted to ‘humus’ a dark colored amorphous component of soil.	A process by which the humus is further broken down by certain microorganisms to release inorganic components in the soil.
Humification results in conservation of organic matter from microbial attacks in protected forms.	Mineralization leads to release of inorganic substances from decaying components which can be readily taken up by the plants.
Humification occurs in the organic surface layer of the soil.	Mineralization occurs in warm, well-aerated moist soil.
Humification is carried out by nematodes, protozoa, arthropods etc.	Mineralization is carried out by the funngi, bacteria and earthworms.