The breakdown of dead organic matter into simpler chemical constituents by the action of bacteria, fungi and detritivore organisms, returning carbon, nitrogen and other nutrients locked in dead tissue back into the soil and atmosphere. Decomposition rates, strongly governed by temperature and moisture, determine how quickly nutrients cycle through an ecosystem and how much carbon accumulates in soil versus returning to the atmosphere.
Facts
Process TypeBiogeochemical or Pedological 1 Sources
1. Decomposition (Wikipedia)
Wikimedia FoundationIntroductionQuote, Introduction
Decomposition is the process by which dead organic substances are broken down into simpler organic or inorganic matter such as carbon dioxide, water, simple sugars and mineral salts.
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