Question

Match the processes involved in decompostion to its characteristics.

• A. Percolate into soil
• B. Done by detrivores
• C. Enzymatic digestion

Answer 1

Decomposition is a biogeochemical cycle and a chemical process by which organic substances are broken down into much simpler forms that are recycled.
There are three main processes that occur during decomposition:

• Fragmentation is the foundation of all the further processes of decomposition. In this process, organic material is broken down into tiny parts by invertebrates known as detrivores (earthworms and termites). They feed on detritus and eventually break the detritus into smaller fragments.
• Leaching- In this process, all the soluble matter of fragmented particles are solubilised and are percolated to the top layer of soil.
• Catabolism is performed by saprophytic bacteria and fungi as they secrete digestive enzymes on to the fragmented detritus.