What is decomposition? Describe the different processes involved in decomposition?
Decomposers (bacteria, fungi) helps in the breakdown of complex organic matter into simple inorganic substances like CO2CO2, H2OH2O, minerals. This process is called decomposition. Detritus is made up of dead plant remains such as leaves, bark, and flowers, as well as remains of dead animals along with fecal matter. The important processes involved in decomposition are: - Fragmentation: - Detritivores are organisms that break down detritus into smaller particles. Leaching: - By leaching, water-soluble inorganic nutrients penetrate the soil horizon and precipitate as unavailable salts. Catabolism: - The enzymes of bacteria and fungi degrade detritus into simple inorganic substances. Humification: - Humification results in the accumulation of humus, a dark-colored amorphous substance. This is highly resistant to microbial action and undergoes decomposition at an extremely slower rate. Mineralization: - Some microbes further degrade the humus, resulting in the release of inorganic nutrients via the mineralization process.
