0
How is soil affected by the process of biological decomposition?
Wiki User
∙ 11y ago
it makes it more fertile.
Wiki User
∙ 11y ago
Add your answer:
Earn +20 pts
How does carbon move from plants and animals into the soil?
It is used by plants in the process of photosynthesis and animas eat plants which already have carbon.
How do you think plants decompose and what factors effect decomposition?
What is Decomposition? The term decomposition means “to break down”. It typically corresponds to the disintegration or rupture of complex organic matter into a simpler inorganic matter. It is one of the significant and essential processes of the ecosystem. Hence, decomposition is a metabolic process, taking up raw materials in the form of complex compounds, processing it and then converting it into simpler compounds. Bacteria, fungi and a few other microorganisms initiate the process of decomposition and are known as decomposers. They feed on dead organisms to survive. The decaying and dead animals and plants serve as the raw materials which, on the breakdown, produces nutrients, carbon dioxide, and water, etc. Detritus are the raw materials such as dead animals, plants and their remains. Microbes then process this detritus which are collectively known as saprophytes. Also refer: Putrefaction Let us know more in detail about its process and the major factors affecting the process of decomposition. Factors Affecting Decomposition Following are the important factors affecting the rate of decomposition: Litter Quality The rate of decomposition depends on the structural and chemical properties of litter. For eg., the litter of bryophytes are decomposed at a slower rate due to the presence of lignin like complex chemicals. Temperature Temperature regulates the growth and activity of microorganisms. The temperature is different at different elevations. The species diversity and the microorganism count is affected by environmental changes. Aeration The oxygen present in the pores of the soil helps in the growth of microorganisms. In the water-logged soils, the aerobic microorganisms are absent. Here only anaerobic microorganisms can grow and initiate decomposition. Soil pH The presence of cations and anions governs the pH of the soil, which in turn affects microbial growth. Inorganic Chemicals After decomposition, the elements like potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium are released into the soil. Some of these are used by the microorganisms for their growth. Thus, it affects the rate of decomposition. Moisture The water present in the soil is responsible for various physiological processes of microorganisms present in the soil. The growth of microorganisms is thus governed by the presence of moisture in the soil.
Why is the decomposition of dead organisms important for soil formation?
Decomposition of dead organisms adds organic matter, or humus, to the soil; humus is necessary to support plant growth.
Modern farming practices speed up the decomposition of matter in soil how might this affect the nitrogen cycle?
how might a modern farming speeding up the decomposition of matter in soil affect the nitrogen cycle
What is and important role in Soil biological components play?
they are key in soil feritity
What process turns leaves into soil?
Decomposition.
Which type of organism helps with decomposition?
Soil organisms aid in the decomposition process. Decomposition is a process in which animals and plants bodies rot and break down.
How do organisms decay?
When plant residues are returned to the soil, various organic compounds undergo decomposition. Decomposition is a biological process that includes the physical breakdown and biochemical transformation of complex organic molecules of dead material into simpler organic and inorganic molecules (Juma, 1998). The continual addition of decaying plant residues to the soil surface contributes to the biological activity and the carbon cycling process in the soil. Breakdown of soil organic matter and root growth and decay also contribute to these processes. Carbon cycling is the continuous transformation of organic and inorganic carbon compounds by plants and micro- and macro-organisms between the soil, plants and the atmosphere. Read more at: http://www.fao.org/docrep/009/a0100e/a0100e05.htm
How do you use decomposition in a sentence?
Decomposition is the process of breaking down organic matter into simpler substances. An example sentence using decomposition is: The fallen leaves in the forest undergo decomposition, returning nutrients to the soil.
How does carbon move from plants and animals into the soil?
It is used by plants in the process of photosynthesis and animas eat plants which already have carbon.
How do you think plants decompose and what factors effect decomposition?
What is Decomposition? The term decomposition means “to break down”. It typically corresponds to the disintegration or rupture of complex organic matter into a simpler inorganic matter. It is one of the significant and essential processes of the ecosystem. Hence, decomposition is a metabolic process, taking up raw materials in the form of complex compounds, processing it and then converting it into simpler compounds. Bacteria, fungi and a few other microorganisms initiate the process of decomposition and are known as decomposers. They feed on dead organisms to survive. The decaying and dead animals and plants serve as the raw materials which, on the breakdown, produces nutrients, carbon dioxide, and water, etc. Detritus are the raw materials such as dead animals, plants and their remains. Microbes then process this detritus which are collectively known as saprophytes. Also refer: Putrefaction Let us know more in detail about its process and the major factors affecting the process of decomposition. Factors Affecting Decomposition Following are the important factors affecting the rate of decomposition: Litter Quality The rate of decomposition depends on the structural and chemical properties of litter. For eg., the litter of bryophytes are decomposed at a slower rate due to the presence of lignin like complex chemicals. Temperature Temperature regulates the growth and activity of microorganisms. The temperature is different at different elevations. The species diversity and the microorganism count is affected by environmental changes. Aeration The oxygen present in the pores of the soil helps in the growth of microorganisms. In the water-logged soils, the aerobic microorganisms are absent. Here only anaerobic microorganisms can grow and initiate decomposition. Soil pH The presence of cations and anions governs the pH of the soil, which in turn affects microbial growth. Inorganic Chemicals After decomposition, the elements like potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium are released into the soil. Some of these are used by the microorganisms for their growth. Thus, it affects the rate of decomposition. Moisture The water present in the soil is responsible for various physiological processes of microorganisms present in the soil. The growth of microorganisms is thus governed by the presence of moisture in the soil.
How do saprophytes help in replenishing the soil?
Saprophytes help in replenishing the soil through aeration and fertilization. Organisms in the soil help to break down the soil and organic matter within it, which assists in the replenishing process, In addition, the waste products and decomposition is an excellent fertilizer.
Distinguish between weathering and erosion?
1 - Weathering is a process of breaking down of bigger rocks into smaller particles of soil . Thus , it is a process of formation of soil. It is a very long process. Soil erosion is washing away of soil by agents like excessive water & wind , when soil is left uncovered or when deforestation occurs . 2- Weathering is a beneficial process but soil erosion is a harmful , destroying & futile process .
What influences infiltration?
The process by which water on the ground surface enters the soil. The rate of infiltration is affected by soil characteristics including ease of entry, storage capacity, and transmission rate through the soil.
How does carbon return to the earth's atmosphere from the soil?
Decomposition.
What is Decomposition difference in peat and muck soil?
luv it
Why is the decomposition of dead organisms important for soil formation?
Decomposition of dead organisms adds organic matter, or humus, to the soil; humus is necessary to support plant growth.
