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The addition of organic matter to the soil and its subsequent accumulation as humus are pivotal in preserving soil quality and fertility. This principle applies to the soil's capacity to serve as a habitat and foundation for soil fauna and flora, in addition to its physical and chemical storage and filtration functions. The humus balance is a concept that encompasses the management-related changes in humus inputs to soils employed for arable farming and horticulture. The spatial distribution and development of the balance are significant indicators for evaluating the condition and trends in soil carbon content. The calculations for the indicator and the trends are based on data from the ‘GAPEval’ projects. The indicator is based on a seven-year time series (2010 to 2016).
Last updated: 2026 (Based on Indicator Sheet v2024_2)