Refers to the dark organic material in soil formed by the decomposition of plant and animal matter. Used in gardening, agriculture, and soil science contexts.
Humus is essential for plant growth.
The humus in this field is very rich.
Compound of 腐 (ふ, 'decay') + 植 (しょく, 'plant') + 土 (ど, 'soil'), literally 'decayed plant soil'. The reading is on'yomi.