Which one of the following processes during decomposition is correctly described?

Options

A. Catabolism - Last step in the decomposition under fully anaerobic condition
B. Leaching - Water soluble inorganic nutrients rise to the top layers of soil
C. Fragmentation - Carried out by organism such as earthworm
D. Humification - Leads to the accumulation of a dark coloured substance humus which undergoes microbial action at a very fast rate

Answer

C

Explanation

(a) False, All the three processes i.e., Fragmentation, leaching and catabolism operate simultaneously and is followed by humification and Mineralisation. The process of decomposition is largely an oxygen requiring process.
(b) False, Leaching is the moving down of water soluble inorganic nutrients into the soil horizon. (c ) True (d) False, Humus is highly resistant to microbial action and gets decomposed at a very slow rate.