Explain the important steps involved in the process of decomposition.

Explanation

. During is the raw material for decomposition . . Following are the steps in the process of decomposition :
(i) Fragmentation : It is the process of breaking of the detritus into smaller particles by detritus into smaller particles by detritivores .
(ii) Leaching : It is the process in which water - soluble inorganic substances run down into soil profile and get precipitated as unavailable salts .
(iii) Catabolism : The enzymatic conversation of the detritus into simple organic compund , is called cataboilsm.
The enzymes are secreted by the decomposes like bacteria and fungi .
(iv) Humification : Humification during decompostion leads to the accumulation of a dark cloured amorphous substance called humus .
(v) Mineralisation : It is th e process in which the humus is degrated by certain microbes and the inorganic nutrients are released .
. Decomposition is largely an aerobic process , i.e, it requires oxygen .
The factors affecting decomposition are:
(i) The chemical composition of detritus and
(ii) The climatic factors .
. If detritus is rich in lignin and chitin, decomposition is low and it is faster if detruitsis rich nitrogen and water-soluble substances .
. Temerature and soil moisture are the important climatic factors that regulate decomposition through their effect i=on the activities of soil microbes .
. Warm and moist environmetn favours decomposition , while low temperature and anaerobic condition inhibt cecompostion .