Briefly describe the different stages involved in decomposition.

Explanation

Step ( stages) of decomposition :
Fragmentation : It is the break down of detritus into smaller particles by detritivores ( earthworm) Leaching : It is the process in which water soluble inorganic nutrients go down into the soil horizon and get precipitated as unavailable salts.
Catabolism : It is process in which bacterial and fungal enzymes degrade detritus into simpler inorganic substances.
Humification : It is the process which leads to the accumulation of a dark coloured amorphous substance called humus that is highly resistant to microbial action and undergoes very slow decomposition.
Mineralisation : It is the degradation of humus by some microbes and release of inorganic nutrients.