Rate of decompositon depends upon

Options

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

Explanation

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Decomposition**: Decomposition is the process by which organic substances are broken down into simpler organic or inorganic matter. This process is crucial for nutrient cycling in ecosystems.

2. **Identifying Factors Affecting Decomposition**: The rate of decomposition is influenced by several factors. We need to identify these factors to understand how they affect the overall process.

3. **Chemical Composition**: The first factor is the chemical composition of the detritus (the organic matter being decomposed). Different materials decompose at different rates based on their chemical makeup. For example, cellulose in plant material decomposes slower than proteins.

4. **Temperature**: The second factor is temperature. The rate of decomposition generally increases with temperature. Higher temperatures (around 25°C or more) enhance the decomposition process, while lower temperatures (below 10°C) slow it down.

5. **Soil Moisture**: The third factor is soil moisture. Adequate moisture is necessary for the activity of decomposer organisms. However, excessive moisture can hinder the process, leading to anaerobic conditions that slow down decomposition.

6. **Soil pH**: The fourth factor is soil pH. An alkaline pH promotes the growth of decomposer microbes, thus increasing the rate of decomposition. Conversely, acidic conditions can inhibit microbial activity, slowing down the decomposition process.

7. **Conclusion**: After analyzing all the factors, we conclude that the rate of decomposition depends on chemical composition, temperature, soil moisture, and soil pH. Therefore, the correct answer is that all of these factors influence the rate of decomposition.

**Final Answer**: The rate of decomposition depends on all of the following factors: chemical composition of detritus, temperature, soil moisture, and soil pH.

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