(1) "The finely divided, amorphous organic matter that is diffused through mineral material in a soil profile", according to the Toolik-Arctic Geobotanical Atlas. They sound smart, so maybe they're right. But also...
(2) Dirt. Humus is dirt. The stuff trails are made of. What plants eat.
(3) Humus is dirt with organic matter in it, which is the kind of thing that plants really prefer to eat instead of just plain dirt, if they can get it. But they're not all that fussy. Which is a good reason to use a backpacking hammock that keeps your kiester a couple of feet above any potential threats from creeping tendrils. Or, if you do sleep on the ground, use the buddy system — get up early and just let the plants take your buddy. But you need a lot of buddies for that, even for a week-long trip, so a hammock is maybe your best bet here.
(4) Humus is typically dark brown or even black soil containing a lot of organic substances, which are partly or completely composted plant and animal remains. This stuff provides nutrients for plants and keeps them happy. Happy, well-fed plants are less likely to become aggressive than the other kinds of plants, so they hardly ever chase hikers around, etc. Humus also increases the ability of soil to hold water, another thing that plants like, so pee as much as you can while you're out there in order to leave a good impression. Peeing helps keep the soil moist and the sound is like music to plants, both good public relations moves. Peeing soothes plants, calms them, and the suckable salts and minable minerals keep them occupied long enough for you to tiptoe away.
Have anything worth adding? Then try sosayseff@gmail.com
Me? Have never trusted plants, especially the ones with eyes.
Etc...
so says eff: sporadic spurts of grade eff distraction
definitions: outdoor terms
fiyh: dave's little guide to ultralight backpacking stoves
boyb: dave's little guide to backpacks
snorpy bits: nibbling away at your sanity
last seen receding: missives from a certain mobile homer
noseyjoe: purposefully poking my proboscis into technicals