Which of the following statement about decompostion is incorrect ?

Options

A. Decomposers break down complex organic matter into inorganic substances
B. Water insoluble organic nutrients go down into the soil horizon during the process of leaching
C. In fragmentation , detrivores break down detritus into smaller particles
D. Saprophytic bacteria and fungi secrete digestive enzymes over the fragmented detritus

Answer

To determine which statement about decomposition is incorrect, we can analyze the processes involved in decomposition and the statements provided.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Decomposition**:
- Decomposition is the process through which organic matter is broken down into simpler substances. It involves several steps, including fragmentation, catabolism, and leaching.

2. **Identifying the Processes**:
- **Fragmentation**: This is the first step where detritivores (organisms that feed on dead organic matter) break down larger pieces of organic material (detritus) into smaller particles.
- **Catabolism**: In this step, bacteria and fungi secrete digestive enzymes that break down the fragmented material into simpler organic compounds and inorganic substances.
- **Leaching**: This process involves the movement of soluble organic compounds and inorganic nutrients down into the soil layers.

3. **Analyzing the Statements**:
- **Statement 1**: "Decomposers break down complex organic matter into inorganic substances."
- This statement is correct as decomposers do convert complex organic matter into simpler inorganic substances.
- **Statement 2**: "Water insoluble organic nutrients go down into the soil horizon during the process of leaching."
- This statement is incorrect because leaching primarily involves the movement of soluble nutrients, not insoluble ones.
- **Statement 3**: "In fragmentation, detritivores break down detritus into smaller particles."
- This statement is correct as detritivores are responsible for this process.
- **Statement 4**: "Saprophytic bacteria and fungi secrete digestive enzymes over the fragmented detritus."
- This statement is also correct as these microorganisms play a crucial role in breaking down organic matter.

4. **Conclusion**:
- The incorrect statement about decomposition is: "Water insoluble organic nutrients go down into the soil horizon during the process of leaching."

### Final Answer:
The incorrect statement about decomposition is: "Water insoluble organic nutrients go down into the soil horizon during the process of leaching."