Process of Decomposition

Decomposition is one of the major life processes that take place. It is essential for the survival of humans and plants. This cycle continues endlessly ensuring the availability of nutrients for the nest plants and animals. The older plants and animals die and decompose and are converted into nutrients that are absorbed by the plants, this ensures the proper growth of the plants.

There are majorly 5 steps involved in decomposition namely Fragmentation, Leaching, Catabolism, Catabolism, and  Mineralization. In this process, the dead organic raw material is referred to as detritus. 

Fragmentation

This is the initial stage of the breakdown process. Microorganisms in this stage break down the debris into tiny fragments.

Leaching

The smaller detritus typically contains enormous amounts of water-soluble nutrients, some of which may even be inorganic. In order to ensure that the inorganic nutrients are assimilated by the earth, all of these nutrients are dissolved in water and permeate into the soil below.

Catabolism

The debris is broken down into smaller pieces by the processes of fragmentation and leaching, and the inorganic nutrients are also eliminated, leaving only the organic component. Bacteria and other decomposers convert this organic material into smaller inorganic molecules.  

Humification

The soil develops a covering dark color as a result of this process. This layer, which is also known as humus, is composed of amorphous materials. This layer can’t simply dissolve because it is particularly resistant to the actions of microbes. The humus layer is very beneficial, contains a lot of nutrients, and gives the soil fertility. 

Mineralization

This step marks the end of the process of decomposition. In this step, the humus is broken down into inorganic nutrients and hence the process of decomposition is complete. 

Decomposition can be defined as the process of breaking down complex organic substances into smaller simpler particles by various microorganisms which can be later used. The term decomposition means the breaking down of particles or ” break down”.