Ecosystems — BIOLOGY STD 12 Science — Question

Factors Affecting Rate of Decomposition Decomposition is largely an aerobic process, i.e. requires oxygen for its processing.

The rate of decomposition is controlled mainly by the following two factors:

1. Chemical composition of detritus The rare of decomposition is slower, if detritus is rich in lignin and chitin while, it is quicker if it is composed of nitrogen and water-soluble substances like sugars.
2. Climatic factors Temperature and soil moisture are the most important climatic factors that controls decomposition.

'Warm and moist environment favours decomposition while, low temperature and anaerobiosis, i.e. anaerobic conditions (unavailability of oxygen) inhibit decomposition resulting in build of organic materials.