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

Options

A. Catabolism - Last step in the decomposition under fully anaerobic condi- tion
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

(I) False, All the three processes i.e., Fragmentation, leaching and catabolism operate simultaneously and is follow~d by humification and Mineralisation. The process of decomposition is largely an oxygen requiring process. (2) F3lsc: Leaching is the moving down of water soluble inorganic nutrients into the soil horizon. (3) True. ( 4) False, Humus is highly resistant to microbial action and gets decomposed at a very slow rate