Question : Describe the process of decomposition of detritus under the following heads : Fragmentational leaching, catabolism, humification and mineralization.

Question : Describe the process of decomposition of detritus under the

1.	Question : Describe the process of decomposition of detritus under the following heads : Fragmentational leaching, catabolism, humification and mineralization.
Answer» Solution :Decomposition is the process in which the complex organic MATTER is broken down into simpler organic substances and ultimately into INORGANIC compounds. Steps of Decomposition. (i) FRAGMENTATION : It is the process of breaking of the detritus into smaller PARTICLES by detritivores like EARTHWORM. (ii) Leaching : It is the process in which water soluble inorganic substances run down mto soil horizon and get precipitated as unavailable salts. (iii) Catabolism: The enzymatic conversion of the detritus into simple organic compounds and then into inorganic compounds is called catabolism. (iv) Humification : Humification during decomposition leads to the accumulation of a dark cloured amorphous substance called humus. (v) Mineralisation : It is the process in which the humus is degraded by certain microbes and the inorganic nutrients are relased. The products of decomposition are simple organic moleculers and inorganic compounds.