Ecosystems — BIOLOGY STD 12 Science — Question

Different steps involved in the process of decomposition are:

1. Fragmentation: It is process of breakdown of detritus into smaller particles by detritivores (e.g. earthworm).

2. Leaching: It is the process by which water-soluble inorganic nutrients go down into the soil horizon and get precipitated as unavailable salts.

3. Catabolism: It is the process of degradation of detritus into simple organic material by the action of bacterial and fungal enzymes and then their further conversion into simpler inorganic compounds.

3. Humification: It is a process that leads to accumulation of a dark coloured amorphous and colloidal substance called humus, which is highly resistant to microbial action and undergoes decomposition at a very slow rate. Being colloidal in nature, it serves as a reservoir of nutrients.

4. Mineralisation: It is process of degradation of humus by microbial action and release of inorganic nutrients