so this morning after posting i did a little research....
Decomposition of organic matter is largely a biological process that occurs naturally. Its speed is determined by
three major factors: soil organisms, the physical environment and the quality of the organic matter (Brussaard,
1994). In the decomposition process, different products are released: carbon dioxide (CO2), energy, water, plant
nutrients and resynthesized organic carbon compounds. Successive decomposition of dead material and modified organic
matter results in the formation of a more complex organic matter called humus (Juma, 199
. This process is called
humification. Humus affects soil properties. As it slowly decomposes, it colours the soil darker; increases soil
aggregation and aggregate stability; increases the CEC (the ability to attract and retain nutrients); and
contributes N, P and other nutrients.
Soil organisms, including micro-organisms, use soil organic matter as food. As they break down the organic matter,
any excess nutrients (N, P and S) are released into the soil in forms that plants can use. This release process is
called mineralization. The waste products produced by micro-organisms are also soil organic matter. This waste
material is less decomposable than the original plant and animal material, but it can be used by a large number of
organisms. By breaking down carbon structures and rebuilding new ones or storing the C into their own biomass, soil
biota plays the most important role in nutrient cycling processes and, thus, in the ability of a soil to provide the
crop with sufficient nutrients to harvest a healthy product. The organic matter content, especially the more stable
humus, increases the capacity to store water and store (sequester) C from the atmosphere.
General Houseplant Pest information: Fungus gnats are small black flies that are attracted to carbon dioxide. That's
way the are always in your face when you have an infected plant. Fungus gnats feed on decomposing matter in the
potting media. Fungus gnats won't really hurt a large plant, but they are very annoying.
Like many insects, fungus gnats develop through metamorphosis. They start out as larvae in the top layers of soil,
develop into pupae and thence into the winged, flying adult. Total developmental time to adulthood is 2-4 weeks.
During the larval stage they feed on fungi in the soil as well as decaying organic matter and plant roots. Once they
reach adulthood, fungus gnats typically last just long enough to seed a new generation of larvae.
Marijuana cultivators particularly need to be on the lookout for fungus gnats, as the larvae, in addition to
attacking the roots of your precious ganja plants, will leave behind casings that quickly ruin the drainage
properties of your soil. Cannabis requires good drainage and a steady but small supply of water, so an overwatered
marijuana plant that falls victim to a fungus gnat colony has two strikes against it. If an infestation occurs
during the flowering stage of the plant's growth, it could seriously reduce yield.
Getting rid of the adults is a snap: simply give them a sticky yellow surface to land on, and within a few days
you'll have enough dead adults to make a tasty dinner of gnat casserole (YMMV). The larvae are a bit trickier. The
first step toward getting rid of them is to starve your plant of water for a few days, letting the top layers of
soil dry completely. Larvae cannot develop in dry soil, though they can survive a drought by suspending their
development. Don't worry about killing your plant; it takes serious dedication to kill most houseplants from
underwatering, while overwatering a plant can kill it very quickly.
Once the soil is dry, mix 1 part hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) solution with 4 parts water. Use 3% solution, which you
can find in any drug store or in the hygiene/medicine aisle of a chain grocery store. You can use a stronger
solution if you change the water mixture appropriately, and don't be too concerned with proportions; it would take a
very high concentration of H2O2 to hurt your plants. Just make sure you buy pure H2O2 with no chemical additives!
Hydrogen peroxide is often sold as a topical disinfectant, and things that are good for your wounds may not be so
healthy for your plants.
As with any other human,plant,animal anything in excess can be deadly.
fuckers.