Decomposing Organic Material That Releases Nutrients That are Used by Plants

Question

Decomposing organic material that releases nutrients that are used by plants is called ____.  
A) humus
B) loam
C) silt
D) bedrock
E) a macronutrient

Accepted Answer

Humus is the organic material in soil that is formed from the decomposition of dead plants and animals. It releases nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which are essential for plant growth. Loam, silt, and bedrock are not terms used to describe the decomposition of organic material or nutrient release. Macronutrients refer to the essential nutrients that plants require in large quantities, but it is not the term used to describe decomposition.