Humus is somewhat resistant to further decomposition and so it stays in the soil longer, perhaps even a few years, than the decomposing organic matter that forms it. There are many benefits from soil organic matter. These nutrients are released as the organic matter is decomposed. In cold weather it is decomposed at a slower rate and in warm weather it is decomposed at a more rapid rate. The same pattern is followed by plant growth, slower in cool weather and more rapid in warm weather.
Many factors affect soil organic matter.
Although decomposition means the loss of organic matter, its benefits in the soil are often associated with this decomposition process. Soils in the cooler parts of the world have a higher volume of organic matter than do soils in the warmer parts of the world. Soil Aeration - in general, the more a soil is aerated, the greater will be the decomposition of soil organic matter. Soils that stay wet tend to have a greater amount of organic matter than those that stay dry for a significant part of the year. Soil Moisture - nothing breaks down when it is dry.