Rate of decompositon depends upon

Options

A. chemical compositon of detritus
B. temperature
C. soil moisture and soil pH
D. all of these.

Answer

D

Explanation

Rate of decomposition of detritus depends upon chemical nature of detritus, temperature, soil moisture and soil pH. A soil temperature of `25^(@)C` and more hastens decomposition. A low temperature of less than `10^(@)C` reduces rate of decomposition. Moisture is essential for decomposition. Excessive moisture also impedes decomposition probably due to anaerobiosis. Neutral and slightly alkaline soils are rich in detritivores, earthworms and decomposer microbes. Acidity decreases the number of detritivores and earthworms. Soil with small amount of lignin/chitin/cellulose and rich in nitrogen and water soluble substances (like sugars), decomposes rapidly