Humus

noun (mass noun)

/ˈhjuːməs/

The dark, organic component of soil formed by the decomposition of plant and animal matter by soil microorganisms, which improves soil fertility and water retention.

✍️ Usage in a UPSC answer

Sustained organic farming and the restoration of crop residue to the land rebuild humus in degraded soils, enhancing carbon sequestration and offering India a low-cost pathway to both food security and climate-change mitigation.

Synonyms

organic matterleaf mouldcomposttopsoilloammould

Antonyms

subsoilsterile soilbarren earthmineral substrate

🌱 Word Family

humic (adj), humify (v), humification (n), humus-rich (adj), humous (adj)

🔡 Root

Latin humus = earth, soil; PIE dʰǵʰom- = earth; akin to Greek chamai = on the ground; Sanskrit kṣam- = earth

📜 Etymology

From Latin humus ("earth, soil"), from Proto-Indo-European *dʰǵʰom- ("earth"), akin to Greek chamai ("on the ground") and Sanskrit kṣam- ("earth").

🧠 Memory Hook

Same root as "human" and "humility" (Latin humus, the ground) — humans, born of the earth, and humus, the living dark earth that feeds them, share one humble soil.

📝 Seen in UPSC Question Papers

Prelims 2018 — Soils
Prelims 2010 — Indian Geography

Real UPSC previous-year questions whose text uses “Humus” — proof this word earns its place on your list.

🌍 Geography 📖 Seen in: Indian Soils, Natural Vegetation & Lan...

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