What causes decomposition of organic matter?
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Asked by: Autumn Burns
Decomposition of organic matter is largely a biological process that occurs naturally. Its speed is determined by three major factors: soil organisms, the physical environment and the quality of the organic matter (Brussaard, 1994).
What are the 4 factors that affect decomposition?
A multitude of factors can affect the decomposition process, increasing or decreasing its rate. Some of the most frequently observed variables are temperature, moisture, insect activity, and sun or shade exposure.
What are the factors of decomposition?
Factors Affecting Decomposition
- Litter Quality. The rate of decomposition depends on the structural and chemical properties of litter. …
- Temperature. Temperature regulates the growth and activity of microorganisms. …
- Aeration. …
- Soil pH. …
- Inorganic Chemicals. …
- Moisture. …
- Fragmentation. …
- Leaching.
What is organic matter decomposition?
Soil organic matter
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).
What are the factors affecting decomposition of organic matter in the soil?
A number of factors affect the rate of decomposition of organic matter: climate, substrate quality, and soil type. As a general rule, simpler compounds decompose more quickly than more complex compounds and decomposition is slower in climatic extremes.
What increases the decomposition rate of organic matter?
Soil temperature and moisture content are very important factors affecting decomposition rates. At favorable moisture conditions, increasing temperature results in an exponential increase in decomposition rates (Q10 of approx 2).
Which of the following promotes the process of decomposition?
Availability of oxygen– because it is important for decomposition which is an energy requiring the process. Nitrogen – it’s presence along with sugars increases the rate of decomposition. pH – Lower levels imply acidity, hence lower bacterial population, which decreases the rate of decomposition.
