Humification

The humification of the organic matter consists of the transformation of organic compounds, by means of micro-organismsIt is an organic compound with no defined composition (no amino acids, no organic acids, no living microbial biomass), and biostable. It confers suitable characteristics to the soil, increasing the aerationmoisture, cation-exchange capacity, aggregate formation, improvement of soil structure and the disease control.

Contrary to what happens with the mineralisationhumification sequesters carbon and reduces carbon dioxide emissions, making it an optimal process from a sustainability point of view. Its mineralisation is slow.

Vermicomposting is the technique for the production of humus through the cultivation of earthworms, in particular the California red worm.Eisenia foetida"..

There is evidence of antagonistic properties against many common turfgrass diseases such as S. homeocarpa, P. graminicola and M. nivale. The bacteria antagonists encountered include the following: Pseudomonas aeruginosa, P. fluorescens, Xanthomonas maltophilia, Enterobacter cloacae, Bacillus subtilis (Hoitink & Fahy 1986).