Formation of organic substances of humus nature and their biospheric properties

Hypotheses of humus formation on the basis of polymerization and oxidation reactions were considered. The most popular models of several authors and the general understanding of the structural features of natural polymers were analyzed. Multivariate statistical analysis was performed for zonal factors affecting the formation of humic substances. Evolutionary changes in the understanding of the biospheric functions of humus substances were evaluated. Statistical procedures were proposed for the prediction of the physicochemical behavior of humus substances in environments.