Question

Define decomposition. Describe the process and products of decomposition.

Answer 1

Hint:The process of decaying or rotting is called decomposition. whereas decaying is a breakdown or falling apart. Animals, like worms, help to break down the organic materials. Organisms that do this are referred to as decomposers.

Complete answer:
Decomposition is the mechanism by which the body of dead plants and animals breaks down complex organic matter or biomass into inorganic raw materials, such as carbon dioxide, water, and other nutrients, with the aid of decomposers. The different processes involved in decomposition are as follows:
I) Fragmentation- It involves the breakup of detritus by the action of detritivores such as earthworms into smaller parts.
(ii) Leaching- It is a mechanism in which water-soluble nutrients are locked as inaccessible salts into the soil layers.
(ii) Catabolism- It is a mechanism in which detritus is degraded into smaller parts by bacteria and fungi by various enzymes.
(iv) Humification-The next stage is humification, which leads to the creation of a colloidal dark-colored material called humus, which serves as a plant nutrient reservoir.
V) Mineralization-The action of microbes further degrades the humus, which eventually contributes to the release of inorganic nutrients into the soil. Mineralization is known as this process of releasing inorganic nutrients from the humus.

Note: Under very wet or very dry conditions, decomposition rates are poor. In cold, moist environments with sufficient oxygen levels, decomposition rates are maximum. Wet soils appear to become oxygen-deficient, which slows down the growth of microbes. Decomposition often slows in dry soils, but bacteria continue to grow even after soils become too dry to sustain plant growth.