HUMIFICATION Biochemical process by which organic matter is transformed into HUMUS, a natural nutrient of soils that contributes to the rationing of plants and the enrichment in organic materials. Not to be confused with E]hummus (bi tahina), a chickpea cream prepared with various dressings. Humification produces new humus. The other type is the old humus, which, after a long time in the process of decomposition, takes on a purple to reddish hue. Some humic substances characteristic of this type of humus are humins and humic acids.
