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Briefly describe the different stages involved in decomposition. |
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Answer» 1. Fragmentation: It is the break down detritus into smaller particles, by detritivores (earthworm). 2. Leaching: It is the process in which water soluble inorganic nutrients go down into the soil horizon and get precipitated as unavailable salts. 3. Catabolism: It is the process in which leads to bacterial and fungar enzymes degrade detritus into simpler inorganic substances. 4. Humification: It is the process which leads to the accumulation of a dark coloured amorphous substance called humuns that is highly resistant to microbial action and undergoes very slow decomposition. 5. Mineralisation : It is the degradation of humus by some microbes and the release of inorganic nutrients. |
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