Humus: dark side of life or intractable 'aether'?

Does humus exist or is it just a view of the mind as some authors claimed it? I suggest, based on the observation of the activity of soil organisms, that humus should be considered as the 'dark side' of life and not as an intractable chemical component of soil organic matter. Most properties humus confers to the soil ecosystem are linked to high surface area for nutrient exchange and water retention and strong affinity to mineral particles. Comminution and transport of organic matter along the soil profile, together with intimate blending with mineral particles, take a prominent part in ecosystem services provided by humus. Microscopy, coupled with thorough examination of humus profiles, may help to reveal the biological origin of humus and the chain of processes by which living matter is transformed and recycled within the soil ecosystem