which of the following is not characteristic of humus?

Options

A. it is rich in organic matter such as lignin and cellulose.
B. it is colloidal in nature and serves as a reservoir of nutrients.
C. It is highly resistant to microbial action and undergoes slow decompositon
D. it is further degraded by the process of humification.

Explanation

To determine which of the following statements is not a characteristic of humus, we will analyze each option step by step.

### Step 1: Understand what Humus is
Humus is a dark brown, amorphous, gummy substance formed from the decomposition of plant and animal matter. The process of forming humus from raw organic remains is called humification.

### Step 2: Analyze Each Option
1. **Option 1**: "It is rich in organic matter such as lignin and cellulose."
- This statement is true. Humus is indeed rich in organic matter, including lignin and cellulose.

2. **Option 2**: "It is colloidal in nature and serves as a reservoir of nutrients."
- This statement is also true. Humus has a colloidal nature and acts as a reservoir for nutrients, making them available for plants.

3. **Option 3**: "It is highly resistant to microbial action and undergoes the slowest decomposition."
- This statement is true as well. Humus is resistant to microbial action and decomposes very slowly.

4. **Option 4**: "It is further degraded by the process of humification."
- This statement is incorrect. Humification is the process of forming humus from raw organic material. The further degradation of humus occurs through mineralization, not humification.

### Conclusion
Based on the analysis, the statement that is not a characteristic of humus is **Option 4**: "It is further degraded by the process of humification."