Name: Succession in Plants
Uploaded: 2019-07-19
Duration: 11 min 25 s
Description: Ecological succession is the process of change in the species structure of an ecological community over time. The time scale can be decades or even millions...

Question

Discuss the factors which affect the rate of decomposition.

Accepted Answer

The process of the breakdown of complex organic matter into a simpler inorganic matter is called decomposition and the organisms that help in decomposition are called decomposers. It is one of the important and essential processes of the ecosystem. The decomposers such as bacteria, fungi and a few other microorganisms feed on dead organisms to produces nutrients, carbon dioxide, and water, etc.

Factors Affecting Decomposition
The factors affecting the rate of decomposition are:
(A) Litter Quality
The decomposition rate depends on the characteristics of litter. Some litter decomposed at a slower rate and thus, decreasing rate of decomposition.
(B) Temperature
Temperature regulates the growth and activity of microbes. The high-temperature facilitates decomposition while low temperatures slow down the process.
(C) Aeration
The oxygen present in the pores of the soil favours microbial growth. Good aeration increases oxygen supply and thus increases the rate of decomposition. In the water-logged soils, decomposition is done by anaerobic microorganisms.
(D) Soil pH
Growth of microbes is greatly influenced by acidity or alkalinity of the soil. Different soil pH is required for optimum growth of different microbes.

Discuss the factors which affect the rate of decomposition.

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