question_answer 68)

    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:

                    Decomposition of dead remain or matter of animal and plant is carried out by microorganisms like bacteria, fungi etc. The growth rate of these decomposers is affected by  abiotic factors like temperature, humidity, pH of soil and light etc. The soil pH affect the composition of acidophilic and basophilic microorganisms. In absence or presence of oxygen aerobic and anaerobic processes occurs. In presence of oxygen, complete degradation of substance occureds while in absence of oxygen, there will be an incomplete degradation. Similarly, at high temperature microbes cannot grow optimally but high or low temperature favours the growth of stress tolerant microorganisms.