The rate of decomposition of detritus is | Class 12 Biology Chapter Ecosystem, Ecosystem NCERT Solutions

Decomposition is the process by which organic compounds are broken down into simple compounds which is brought about and decomposition rates are largely controlled by both biotic and abiotic agencies. Decomposition by biological agents is an oxidative process in which complex energy rich molecules are being broken down by decomposers (bacteria and fungi) eventually into water soluble inorganic nutrients. Decomposition rates are largely controlled by both biotic and abiotic factors. Biotic factors include mainly substrate quantity and quality, the type and size of microbial community; abiotic factors include such as soil temperature, moisture and pH, which determines the soil environmental conditions. If the oxygen is present, aerobic degradation occurs and if absent, there would be incomplete degradation. Decomposition is much slower where the soil contain large amount of dead organic matter and is also slower where the conditions are either too dry for the decomposers to thrive or too wet to supply them with enough oxygen.