What happens when organic matter decomposes in soil?

What happens when organic matter decomposes in soil?

In the decomposition process, different products are released: carbon dioxide (CO2), energy, water, plant nutrients and resynthesized organic carbon compounds. Successive decomposition of dead material and modified organic matter results in the formation of a more complex organic matter called humus (Juma, 1998).

What is decomposing dead organic matter in the soil called?

The thick brown or black substance that remains after most of the organic litter has decomposed is called humus. Earthworms often help mix humus with minerals in the soil. Humus contains many useful nutrients for healthy soil. One of the most important is nitrogen.

What is the meaning of decomposition of organic matter?

Decomposition of organic matter is a process, which includes mostly physical breakdown and biochemical transformation of complex organic molecules into simpler organic and inorganic molecules.

What are the stages of decomposition of organic matter?

Decomposition of organic matter involves four component processes: photo-oxidation, leaching, comminution, and mineralization. Arthropods are key factors influencing comminution and mineralization.

What are examples of organic matter in soil?

The living. This part of soil organic matter includes a wide variety of microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa and algae. It even includes plant roots and the insects, earthworms and larger animals, such as moles, woodchucks and rabbits that spend some of their time in the soil.

What is the process of decomposing?

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. Animals, such as worms, also help decompose the organic materials. Organisms that do this are known as decomposers.

What happens to organic matter in the decomposition process?

Since anaerobic destruction of organic matter is a reduction process, the final product, humus, is subject to some aerobic oxidation when put on the soil, that is, it may appear to decompose further after being exposed to air. This oxidation is minor, takes place rapidly, and is of no consequence in the utilization of the material on the soil.

How are ants involved in the decomposition of organic matter?

Ants and termites, in particular, excavate large volumes of soil and accumulate organic material in their centralized nests, mixing soil with organic material and influencing the distribution of soil nutrients and organic matter. Surrounding soils may become depleted in soil carbon and nutrients.

Which is the final product of the decomposition process?

Such organic materials as vegetable matter, animal manure and other organic refuse can be converted from otherwise wasted materials to a more stable form for use as a soil amendment by this process. This process is called “composting” and the final product of composting is called “compost”.

How is organic matter attacked in the soil?

The organic materials (plant and animal residues) incorporated in the soil is attacked by a variety of microbes, worms, and insects in the soil if the soil is moist. Some of the constituents are decomposed very rapidly, some less readily and others very slowly.