Decomposition - Revision history

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	===Humification===		===Humification===

	Humification is the process by which organic matter, which has already been mineralized, is further broken down through the processes of weathering, freeze-thaw cycle, and erosion. This physical decomposition allows it to be more available to plants for use. Humus is mostly found in the topsoil layer, and as the soil is undergoing physical weathering, the water-soluble minerals leech into the surrounding soil water by the force of gravity. As the minerals travel down into the soil, [[plant roots]] can uptake this mineral rich water. Humus also helps to retain soil moisture and keeps soil aerated [3].		Humification is the process by which [[Organic Matter\|organic matter]], which has already been mineralized, is further broken down through the processes of weathering, freeze-thaw cycle, and erosion. This physical decomposition allows it to be more available to plants for use. Humus is mostly found in the topsoil layer, and as the soil is undergoing physical weathering, the water-soluble minerals leech into the surrounding soil water by the force of gravity. As the minerals travel down into the soil, [[plant roots]] can uptake this mineral rich water. Humus also helps to retain soil moisture and keeps soil aerated [3].

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	Mineralization is the process by which organic compounds are broken down into water-soluble inorganic compounds as the result of microbial activity [4]. These compounds are broken down by [[microorganisms]] like fungi and bacteria, which secrete chemicals that aid in decomposition. These chemicals include enzymes, which can decompose plant litter that contain high amounts of cellulose and [[lignin]] [2]. There are various forms of enzymes, which aid in the breakdown of different types of compounds. For example, oxidative enzymes are best at [[decomposing]] complex substrates like lignin, while hydrolytic enzymes breakdown simpler compounds such as starches and sugars. The process of mineralization is essential to nutrient cycling because it allows insoluble organic compounds to become water-soluble and available to plants. Mineralization is one of the main processes, which occur in carbon and nitrogen cycling. These cycles are essential to the livelihood of an ecosystem.		Mineralization is the process by which organic compounds are broken down into water-soluble inorganic compounds as the result of microbial activity [4]. These compounds are broken down by [[microorganisms]] like fungi and bacteria, which secrete chemicals that aid in decomposition. These chemicals include enzymes, which can decompose plant litter that contain high amounts of cellulose and [[lignin]] [2]. There are various forms of enzymes, which aid in the breakdown of different types of compounds. For example, oxidative enzymes are best at [[decomposing]] complex substrates like lignin, while hydrolytic enzymes breakdown simpler compounds such as starches and sugars. The process of mineralization is essential to nutrient cycling because it allows insoluble organic compounds to become water-soluble and available to plants. Mineralization is one of the main processes, which occur in carbon and nitrogen cycling. These cycles are essential to the livelihood of an ecosystem.

	[[File:soil-profile.jpg\|thumb\|left\|A simple diagram depicting the layers of soil. Humus is the top most layer in soils.[6]]]Different molecules within soil organic matter breakdown at different speeds depending on their molecular structure. From fastest to slowest, the breakdown is as follows:		[[File:soil-profile.jpg\|thumb\|left\|A simple diagram depicting the layers of soil. Humus is the top most layer in soils.[6]]]Different molecules within soil [[Organic Matter\|organic matter]] breakdown at different speeds depending on their molecular structure. From fastest to slowest, the breakdown is as follows:

	1. Sugars, starches, and simple proteins		1. Sugars, starches, and simple proteins

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	[[File:Decomposition Diagram.jpg\|thumb\|This diagram demonstrates that when starting with the same leaf litter type, an increase in [[detritivores]] or an increase in leaf litter types, will both result in an increase in the rate of litter breakdown. This diagram is based on a study, which suggested that an increase in leaf litter types (species) will result in higher rates of decomposition, comparable to an increase in detritivores.[5]]In the early stages of decomposition, [[detritivores]] and other [[organisms]] will begin to consume the dead [[Organic Matter\|organic matter]]. Detritivores eat detritus, the name given to disintegrated organic materials. These macroorganisms break apart large material such as plant and animal residue, tissue of [[soil organisms]], and any substances produced by soil organisms. By breaking down these large particles, they increase the surface area available for bacteria and fungi.		[[File:Decomposition Diagram.jpg\|thumb\|This diagram demonstrates that when starting with the same leaf litter type, an increase in [[detritivores]] or an increase in leaf litter types, will both result in an increase in the rate of litter breakdown. This diagram is based on a study, which suggested that an increase in leaf litter types (species) will result in higher rates of decomposition, comparable to an increase in detritivores.[5]]In the early stages of decomposition, [[detritivores]] and other [[organisms]] will begin to consume the dead [[Organic Matter\|organic matter]]. Detritivores eat detritus, the name given to disintegrated organic materials. These macroorganisms break apart large material such as plant and animal residue, tissue of [[soil organisms]], and any substances produced by soil organisms. By breaking down these large particles, they increase the surface area available for bacteria and fungi.
	While detritivores aid in the initial stages of decomposition, it is the work of fungi and bacteria that metabolize organic matter and break it down into inorganic compounds. The fungi and bacteria that thrive on dead matter are called saprophytes [3]. Saprophytes can secrete chemicals that digest the molecules and result in the mineralization of the compounds.		While detritivores aid in the initial stages of decomposition, it is the work of fungi and bacteria that metabolize [[Organic Matter\|organic matter]] and break it down into inorganic compounds. The fungi and bacteria that thrive on dead matter are called saprophytes [3]. Saprophytes can secrete chemicals that digest the molecules and result in the mineralization of the compounds.

	===Mineralization===		===Mineralization===

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	===Breakdown of Detritus===		===Breakdown of Detritus===

	[[File:Decomposition Diagram.jpg\|thumb\|This diagram demonstrates that when starting with the same leaf litter type, an increase in [[detritivores]] or an increase in leaf litter types, will both result in an increase in the rate of litter breakdown. This diagram is based on a study, which suggested that an increase in leaf litter types (species) will result in higher rates of decomposition, comparable to an increase in detritivores.[5]]In the early stages of decomposition, [[detritivores]] and other [[organisms]] will begin to consume the dead organic matter. Detritivores eat detritus, the name given to disintegrated organic materials. These macroorganisms break apart large material such as plant and animal residue, tissue of [[soil organisms]], and any substances produced by soil organisms. By breaking down these large particles, they increase the surface area available for bacteria and fungi.		[[File:Decomposition Diagram.jpg\|thumb\|This diagram demonstrates that when starting with the same leaf litter type, an increase in [[detritivores]] or an increase in leaf litter types, will both result in an increase in the rate of litter breakdown. This diagram is based on a study, which suggested that an increase in leaf litter types (species) will result in higher rates of decomposition, comparable to an increase in detritivores.[5]]In the early stages of decomposition, [[detritivores]] and other [[organisms]] will begin to consume the dead [[Organic Matter\|organic matter]]. Detritivores eat detritus, the name given to disintegrated organic materials. These macroorganisms break apart large material such as plant and animal residue, tissue of [[soil organisms]], and any substances produced by soil organisms. By breaking down these large particles, they increase the surface area available for bacteria and fungi.
	While detritivores aid in the initial stages of decomposition, it is the work of fungi and bacteria that metabolize organic matter and break it down into inorganic compounds. The fungi and bacteria that thrive on dead matter are called saprophytes [3]. Saprophytes can secrete chemicals that digest the molecules and result in the mineralization of the compounds.		While detritivores aid in the initial stages of decomposition, it is the work of fungi and bacteria that metabolize organic matter and break it down into inorganic compounds. The fungi and bacteria that thrive on dead matter are called saprophytes [3]. Saprophytes can secrete chemicals that digest the molecules and result in the mineralization of the compounds.

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	== Quantification ==		== Quantification ==
	The quantification of litter breakdown has only been established in recent years, and describes the relationship between existing litter, annual production, and time. The decomposition of organic matter can be described by the following equations:		The quantification of litter breakdown has only been established in recent years, and describes the relationship between existing litter, annual production, and time. The decomposition of [[Organic Matter\|organic matter]] can be described by the following equations:

	[[File:Equation.png\|none\|]]		[[File:Equation.png\|none\|]]

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	[3] Terry, Watkins. “Decomposition.” Organic, Process, Soil, and Humus - JRank Articles, science.jrank.org/pages/1967/Decomposition.html.		[3] Terry, Watkins. “Decomposition.” Organic, Process, Soil, and Humus - JRank Articles, science.jrank.org/pages/1967/Decomposition.html.

	[4] Olson, J. S. 1963. Energy storage and the balance of producers and decomposers in ecological systems. [[Ecology]] 44:322-331.		[4] Olson, J. S. 1963. Energy storage and the balance of producers and [[decomposers]] in ecological systems. [[Ecology]] 44:322-331.

	[5] Ecology: [[Diversity]] in the afterlife, N&V, Nature 509, 173–174 (08 May 2014) doi:10.1038/509173a		[5] Ecology: [[Diversity]] in the afterlife, N&V, Nature 509, 173–174 (08 May 2014) doi:10.1038/509173a

	[6] “What Is Soil?” All About Soil \| Soils 4 Kids, Soil Science Society of America, www.soils4kids.org/about.		[6] “What Is Soil?” All About Soil \| Soils 4 Kids, Soil Science Society of America, www.soils4kids.org/about.

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	==Introduction==		==Introduction==
	Decomposition is the process in which large or complex molecules are broken down into simpler ones. This process is essential to a healthy ecosystem because it aids in the [[Nutrient Cycling]] of molecules such as phosphorus, nitrogen, water, carbon, and sulfur. In fact, soil organic matter, which includes plant or animal matter, holds three times as much carbon as either the atmosphere or living vegetation [1]. This is important because it is carbon and nitrogen that often limits the productivity of an ecosystem. Factors that affect decomposition rate are temperature, water content, climate, [[soil]] type, and substrate quality [2]. [[File:SOM.jpg\|thumb\|This diagram demonstrates the relationship between moisture, rate of litter breakdown, fauna, and soil organic matter accumulation. As fauna, litter breakdown rates, and moisture decrease, the accumulation of soil organic matter increases. This is a way of demonstrating how the rate of decomposition decreases based on environmental factors.]]		Decomposition is the process in which large or complex molecules are broken down into simpler ones. This process is essential to a healthy ecosystem because it aids in the [[Nutrient Cycling]] of molecules such as phosphorus, nitrogen, water, carbon, and sulfur. In fact, soil [[Organic Matter\|organic matter]], which includes plant or animal matter, holds three times as much carbon as either the atmosphere or living vegetation [1]. This is important because it is carbon and nitrogen that often limits the productivity of an ecosystem. Factors that affect decomposition rate are temperature, water content, climate, [[soil]] type, and substrate quality [2]. [[File:SOM.jpg\|thumb\|This diagram demonstrates the relationship between moisture, rate of litter breakdown, fauna, and soil organic matter accumulation. As fauna, litter breakdown rates, and moisture decrease, the accumulation of soil organic matter increases. This is a way of demonstrating how the rate of decomposition decreases based on environmental factors.]]
	While macroorganisms such as earthworms, flies, [[insects]], and snails are involved in the early process of decomposition, it is often the work of enzymes, bacteria, and fungi that aid in the cycling of nutrients back into the soil [3].		While macroorganisms such as earthworms, flies, [[insects]], and snails are involved in the early process of decomposition, it is often the work of enzymes, bacteria, and fungi that aid in the cycling of nutrients back into the soil [3].
	__TOC__		__TOC__

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	===Mineralization===		===Mineralization===

	Mineralization is the process by which organic compounds are broken down into water-soluble inorganic compounds as the result of microbial activity [4]. These compounds are broken down by [[microorganisms]] like fungi and bacteria, which secrete chemicals that aid in decomposition. These chemicals include enzymes, which can decompose plant litter that contain high amounts of cellulose and lignin [2]. There are various forms of enzymes, which aid in the breakdown of different types of compounds. For example, oxidative enzymes are best at [[decomposing]] complex substrates like lignin, while hydrolytic enzymes breakdown simpler compounds such as starches and sugars. The process of mineralization is essential to nutrient cycling because it allows insoluble organic compounds to become water-soluble and available to plants. Mineralization is one of the main processes, which occur in carbon and nitrogen cycling. These cycles are essential to the livelihood of an ecosystem.		Mineralization is the process by which organic compounds are broken down into water-soluble inorganic compounds as the result of microbial activity [4]. These compounds are broken down by [[microorganisms]] like fungi and bacteria, which secrete chemicals that aid in decomposition. These chemicals include enzymes, which can decompose plant litter that contain high amounts of cellulose and [[lignin]] [2]. There are various forms of enzymes, which aid in the breakdown of different types of compounds. For example, oxidative enzymes are best at [[decomposing]] complex substrates like lignin, while hydrolytic enzymes breakdown simpler compounds such as starches and sugars. The process of mineralization is essential to nutrient cycling because it allows insoluble organic compounds to become water-soluble and available to plants. Mineralization is one of the main processes, which occur in carbon and nitrogen cycling. These cycles are essential to the livelihood of an ecosystem.

	[[File:soil-profile.jpg\|thumb\|left\|A simple diagram depicting the layers of soil. Humus is the top most layer in soils.[6]]]Different molecules within soil organic matter breakdown at different speeds depending on their molecular structure. From fastest to slowest, the breakdown is as follows:		[[File:soil-profile.jpg\|thumb\|left\|A simple diagram depicting the layers of soil. Humus is the top most layer in soils.[6]]]Different molecules within soil organic matter breakdown at different speeds depending on their molecular structure. From fastest to slowest, the breakdown is as follows:

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← Older revision		Revision as of 13:03, 29 April 2021
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	===Breakdown of Detritus===		===Breakdown of Detritus===

	[[File:Decomposition Diagram.jpg\|thumb\|This diagram demonstrates that when starting with the same leaf litter type, an increase in [[detritivores]] or an increase in leaf litter types, will both result in an increase in the rate of litter breakdown. This diagram is based on a study, which suggested that an increase in leaf litter types (species) will result in higher rates of decomposition, comparable to an increase in detritivores.[5]]In the early stages of decomposition, [[detritivores]] and other [[organisms]] will begin to consume the dead organic matter. Detritivores eat detritus, the name given to disintegrated organic materials. These macroorganisms break apart large material such as plant and animal residue, tissue of soil organisms, and any substances produced by soil organisms. By breaking down these large particles, they increase the surface area available for bacteria and fungi.		[[File:Decomposition Diagram.jpg\|thumb\|This diagram demonstrates that when starting with the same leaf litter type, an increase in [[detritivores]] or an increase in leaf litter types, will both result in an increase in the rate of litter breakdown. This diagram is based on a study, which suggested that an increase in leaf litter types (species) will result in higher rates of decomposition, comparable to an increase in detritivores.[5]]In the early stages of decomposition, [[detritivores]] and other [[organisms]] will begin to consume the dead organic matter. Detritivores eat detritus, the name given to disintegrated organic materials. These macroorganisms break apart large material such as plant and animal residue, tissue of [[soil organisms]], and any substances produced by soil organisms. By breaking down these large particles, they increase the surface area available for bacteria and fungi.
	While detritivores aid in the initial stages of decomposition, it is the work of fungi and bacteria that metabolize organic matter and break it down into inorganic compounds. The fungi and bacteria that thrive on dead matter are called saprophytes [3]. Saprophytes can secrete chemicals that digest the molecules and result in the mineralization of the compounds.		While detritivores aid in the initial stages of decomposition, it is the work of fungi and bacteria that metabolize organic matter and break it down into inorganic compounds. The fungi and bacteria that thrive on dead matter are called saprophytes [3]. Saprophytes can secrete chemicals that digest the molecules and result in the mineralization of the compounds.

	===Mineralization===		===Mineralization===

	Mineralization is the process by which organic compounds are broken down into water-soluble inorganic compounds as the result of microbial activity [4]. These compounds are broken down by [[microorganisms]] like fungi and bacteria, which secrete chemicals that aid in decomposition. These chemicals include enzymes, which can decompose plant litter that contain high amounts of cellulose and lignin [2]. There are various forms of enzymes, which aid in the breakdown of different types of compounds. For example, oxidative enzymes are best at decomposing complex substrates like lignin, while hydrolytic enzymes breakdown simpler compounds such as starches and sugars. The process of mineralization is essential to nutrient cycling because it allows insoluble organic compounds to become water-soluble and available to plants. Mineralization is one of the main processes, which occur in carbon and nitrogen cycling. These cycles are essential to the livelihood of an ecosystem.		Mineralization is the process by which organic compounds are broken down into water-soluble inorganic compounds as the result of microbial activity [4]. These compounds are broken down by [[microorganisms]] like fungi and bacteria, which secrete chemicals that aid in decomposition. These chemicals include enzymes, which can decompose plant litter that contain high amounts of cellulose and lignin [2]. There are various forms of enzymes, which aid in the breakdown of different types of compounds. For example, oxidative enzymes are best at [[decomposing]] complex substrates like lignin, while hydrolytic enzymes breakdown simpler compounds such as starches and sugars. The process of mineralization is essential to nutrient cycling because it allows insoluble organic compounds to become water-soluble and available to plants. Mineralization is one of the main processes, which occur in carbon and nitrogen cycling. These cycles are essential to the livelihood of an ecosystem.

	[[File:soil-profile.jpg\|thumb\|left\|A simple diagram depicting the layers of soil. Humus is the top most layer in soils.[6]]]Different molecules within soil organic matter breakdown at different speeds depending on their molecular structure. From fastest to slowest, the breakdown is as follows:		[[File:soil-profile.jpg\|thumb\|left\|A simple diagram depicting the layers of soil. Humus is the top most layer in soils.[6]]]Different molecules within soil organic matter breakdown at different speeds depending on their molecular structure. From fastest to slowest, the breakdown is as follows:
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	[3] Terry, Watkins. “Decomposition.” Organic, Process, Soil, and Humus - JRank Articles, science.jrank.org/pages/1967/Decomposition.html.		[3] Terry, Watkins. “Decomposition.” Organic, Process, Soil, and Humus - JRank Articles, science.jrank.org/pages/1967/Decomposition.html.

	[4] Olson, J. S. 1963. Energy storage and the balance of producers and decomposers in ecological systems. Ecology 44:322-331.		[4] Olson, J. S. 1963. Energy storage and the balance of producers and decomposers in ecological systems. [[Ecology]] 44:322-331.

	[5] Ecology: Diversity in the afterlife, N&V, Nature 509, 173–174 (08 May 2014) doi:10.1038/509173a		[5] Ecology: [[Diversity]] in the afterlife, N&V, Nature 509, 173–174 (08 May 2014) doi:10.1038/509173a

	[6] “What Is Soil?” All About Soil \| Soils 4 Kids, Soil Science Society of America, www.soils4kids.org/about.		[6] “What Is Soil?” All About Soil \| Soils 4 Kids, Soil Science Society of America, www.soils4kids.org/about.

Seperreg at 17:42, 2 May 2019

2019-05-02T17:42:36Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:42, 2 May 2019
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	Humification is the process by which organic matter, which has already been mineralized, is further broken down through the processes of weathering, freeze-thaw cycle, and erosion. This physical decomposition allows it to be more available to plants for use. Humus is mostly found in the topsoil layer, and as the soil is undergoing physical weathering, the water-soluble minerals leech into the surrounding soil water by the force of gravity. As the minerals travel down into the soil, [[plant roots]] can uptake this mineral rich water. Humus also helps to retain soil moisture and keeps soil aerated [3].		Humification is the process by which organic matter, which has already been mineralized, is further broken down through the processes of weathering, freeze-thaw cycle, and erosion. This physical decomposition allows it to be more available to plants for use. Humus is mostly found in the topsoil layer, and as the soil is undergoing physical weathering, the water-soluble minerals leech into the surrounding soil water by the force of gravity. As the minerals travel down into the soil, [[plant roots]] can uptake this mineral rich water. Humus also helps to retain soil moisture and keeps soil aerated [3].



	== References ==		== References ==