Describe three factors which affect on decomposition.

Explanation

Decomposition is largely an oxygen-requiring process. The rate of decomposition is controlled by chemical composition of detritus and climatic factors.
a) In particular climatic condition, decomposition rate is slower if detritus is rich in lignin and chitin, and quicker, if detritus is rich in nitrogen and water soluble substances like sugars.
b) Temperature and soil moisture are most important climatic factors that regulate decomposition through their effects on activities of soil microbes.
c) Warm and moist environment favour decomposition whereas low temperature and anaerobiosis inhibit decomposition.