Q.Write a note on Decomposition process.
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Start your 14-day free trial to unlock the full solution →Decomposition breaks down detritus into inorganic nutrients through five steps — fragmentation, leaching, catabolism, humification and mineralisation — and is favoured by warmth, moisture and oxygen.
Decomposition process:
Definition: Decomposition is the process by which decomposers break down complex organic matter (detritus) into simpler inorganic substances such as carbon dioxide, water and nutrients. The raw material for decomposition is detritus — dead plant remains (leaves, bark, flowers) and dead animal remains, including faecal matter.
Steps / processes involved in decomposition:
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Fragmentation – Detritivores (e.g., earthworms) break down the detritus into smaller particles. This increases the surface area of detritus for microbial action.
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Leaching – Water-soluble inorganic nutrients go down into the soil horizon and get precipitated as unavailable salts (percolate into the soil with water).
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Catabolism – Bacterial and fungal enzymes degrade the detritus into simpler inorganic substances. (This is the actual chemical breakdown of detritus.)
(Note: fragmentation, leaching and catabolism operate simultaneously on the detritus.)
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Humification – The process leads to the accumulation of a dark-coloured amorphous substance called humus, which is highly resistant to microbial action and decomposes very slowly. Being colloidal in nature, humus serves as a reservoir of nutrients.
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Mineralisation – The humus is further degraded by some microbes, releasing inorganic nutrients (minerals) into the soil. This is called mineralisation.
Factors affecting decomposition: …
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