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Question
Temperature and soil moisture regulate decomposition through their effects on the
Temperature and soil moisture regulate decomposition through their effects on the
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Solution
The correct option is A Activity of soil microbes
Introduction to decomposition :
Decomposition is the process of breakdown of complex organic materials present in the dead decaying organic matter into simple inorganic compounds such as carbon dioxide, water and mineral nutrients. It is carried out by microscopic organisms such as bacteria, fungi, etc.
Chemical composition of detritus:
The rate of decomposition is affected by the chemical composition of the detritus. The presence of large complex polymers such as lignin and chitin in the detritus slows down the decomposition process. Temperature and soil moisture have no effect on the chemical composition of the detritus.
Activity of soil microbes :
Temperature is a climatic factor that affects the rate of decomposition. A temperature of 25oC is optimum for the growth and activity of decomposing microbes under proper conditions of moisture and aeration. Even with proper moisture and aeration, a temperature below 10oC slows down the rate of decomposition due to reduced activity of the microbial enzymes.
High moisture content in the soil is another climatic factor which promotes the growth of the microbes and hence the rate of decomposition also increases.
Carbon dioxide content of detritus :
Carbon dioxide content of detritus is not affected by temperature or soil moisture. It does not affect the rate of decomposition either.
Final answer :
(B) Activity of soil microbes
Introduction to decomposition :
Decomposition is the process of breakdown of complex organic materials present in the dead decaying organic matter into simple inorganic compounds such as carbon dioxide, water and mineral nutrients. It is carried out by microscopic organisms such as bacteria, fungi, etc.
Chemical composition of detritus:
The rate of decomposition is affected by the chemical composition of the detritus. The presence of large complex polymers such as lignin and chitin in the detritus slows down the decomposition process. Temperature and soil moisture have no effect on the chemical composition of the detritus.
Activity of soil microbes :
Temperature is a climatic factor that affects the rate of decomposition. A temperature of 25oC is optimum for the growth and activity of decomposing microbes under proper conditions of moisture and aeration. Even with proper moisture and aeration, a temperature below 10oC slows down the rate of decomposition due to reduced activity of the microbial enzymes.
High moisture content in the soil is another climatic factor which promotes the growth of the microbes and hence the rate of decomposition also increases.
Carbon dioxide content of detritus :
Carbon dioxide content of detritus is not affected by temperature or soil moisture. It does not affect the rate of decomposition either.
Final answer :
(B) Activity of soil microbes
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