Define decomposition and describe the processes and products of decomposition.
Define decomposition and describe the processes and products of decomposition.
Decomposition is the process of breakdown of complex organic matter into inorganic substances so that they can be reused.
Products of decomposition are carbon dioxide, water and nutrients, e.g., nitrogen, phosphorus, calcium, potassium, etc.
The important steps in the process of decomposition are:
(i) Fragmentation: Breakdown of detritus (dead plant remains and dead remains of animals) into smaller particles by detritivores (e.g., earthworm).
(ii) Leaching: Water soluble inorganic nutrients go down into the soil horizon and get precipitated as unavailable salts.
(iii) Catabolism: Bacterial and fungal enzymes degrade detritus into simpler inorganic substances.
(iv) Humification: Accumulation of a dark-coloured amorphous substance.
(v) Mineralisation: Humus is further degraded by some microbes and release of inorganic nutrients.
Decomposition is the process of breakdown of complex organic matter into inorganic substances so that they can be reused.
Products of decomposition are carbon dioxide, water and nutrients, e.g., nitrogen, phosphorus, calcium, potassium, etc.
The important steps in the process of decomposition are:
(i) Fragmentation: Breakdown of detritus (dead plant remains and dead remains of animals) into smaller particles by detritivores (e.g., earthworm).
(ii) Leaching: Water soluble inorganic nutrients go down into the soil horizon and get precipitated as unavailable salts.
(iii) Catabolism: Bacterial and fungal enzymes degrade detritus into simpler inorganic substances.
(iv) Humification: Accumulation of a dark-coloured amorphous substance.
(v) Mineralisation: Humus is further degraded by some microbes and release of inorganic nutrients.
