Answer the following questions, using the data shown below? Please answer all pa

Question

Answer the following questions, using the data shown below? Please answer all parts. I am struggling with this material. Thank you for your help:)

Answer the following questions, using the data shown below: 1. What types of organisms are decomposers? 2. How does each of these factors affect decomposition rates? a. Temperature b. Precipitation water availability c. Invertebrate processors d. Plant species 3. What does decomposition have to do with nutrient cycling? 4. Why are decomposition and nutrient cycling important? (or asked another way, what would happen if there was no decomposition, and no nutrient cycling?)

Explanation / Answer

1. As soon as plant and animal residues are added to the soil, there is a rapid increase in the activity of microorganisms. These are not true soil organisms, but they continue their activity by taking part in the decomposition of organic matter and thereby release of plant nutrients in the soil.

Bacteria are the most abundant organisms playing important role in the decomposition of organic matter. Actinomycetes and fungi are also found to play important role in the decomposition of organic matter.

Soil algae may contribute a small amount of organic matter through their biomass but they do not have any active role in organic matter decomposition.

2. Factor affecting decomposition

Tempreture- The rate of decomposition is more rapid in the temperature range of 30° to 40°' At temperatures below or above this range, the rate of decomposition is markedly retarded.

precipitation and water availability- Adequate soil moisture about 60 to 80 percent of the water-holding capacity of the soil is must for the proper decomposition of organic matter. Too much moisture leads to insufficient aeration which results in the reduced activity of microorganisms.

Invertebrate Processor- Invertebrates playing an important role in litter decomposition. invertebrates play only a small part in chemically degrading organic detritus,

Plant species- Organic matter from diverse plant-tissues varies widely in their C: N ratio (app. 8-10 %). The optimum C: N ratio in the range of 20-25 is ideal for maximum decomposition so the species having the C:N ratio in rane of 20-25 is ideal for decomposition like Mature Alfalfa Hay 25:1, Ideal Microbial Diet 24:1, Rotted Barnyard Manure 20:1 and Legume Hay are best suited for decomposition.

Nutrition cycling -

Decomposer invertebrate animals and microbes have quite distinct roles in breaking down organic detritus. Although invertebrates play only a small part in chemically degrading organic detritus, they help the more important microbes in many ways to do their job. During decomposition of organic matter, nutrients are released. Decomposition releases compounds sequestered in non-living organic matter. This may include whole dead organisms, fragments such as leaves, fecal matter, or practically anything you throw into the compost pile. playing a important role in nutrient cycling.

4. If there is no decompositon then there will be no nutrient cycling means the nutrient will be remain in the waste form that will increase the load of the soil and organic content of the soil which will lead to reduced bioproductivity.

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