Question

The rate of decomposition of detritus is affected by the abiotic factors like availability of oxygen, pH of the soil substratum, temperature etc. Discuss.

Answer 1

The decomposition of detritus is due to the activities of microorganisms. The rate of growth of microbes is affected by temperature. The pH of subtratum affects the composition of microbes (acidophiles/basophils) which degrade the dead organic matter. If oxygen is present, aerobic degradation occurs. In the absence of oxygen anaerobiosis sets in and there will be incomplete degradation. Also, the degradation is due to the activity of exo enzymes secreted by the microbes and the activity of enzyme is affected by factors such as temperature etc.