Which of the following is not a characteristic of humus?

It is rich in organic matter such as lignin and cellulose

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It is colloidal in nature and serves as a reservoir of nutrients

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It is highly resistant to microbial action and undergoes slow decomposition

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It is further degraded by the process of humification

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Solution

The correct option is C It is further degraded by the process of humification
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 microorganism. The 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 the 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 mineralization.
So, the correct answer is 'It is further degraded by the process of humification'.

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II. It is dark and amorphous in nature
III. It serves as a reservoir of nutrients
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