Decomposition is very important for recycling nutrients in nature. Here’s how it works:
Nutrient Release: Tiny living things like bacteria and fungi break down dead plants and animals. This process releases nutrients, like nitrogen and phosphorus, back into the soil. In fact, about 90% of the nutrients that plants need come from these decomposers!
Soil Fertility: When organic matter breaks down, it increases the amount of organic carbon in the soil. This makes the soil healthier and better for growing plants. Healthy soil usually has about 1-4% organic matter.
Nutrient Cycling: Decomposition helps with the nitrogen cycle. It changes organic nitrogen into simpler forms. About 80% of the nitrogen in the soil comes from things that have decomposed.
Ecosystem Stability: Good decomposition helps plants grow well and keeps ecosystems strong. About 20% of carbon is stored in the soil because of the breakdown of organic matter.
In short, decomposition is a key player in keeping our ecosystems healthy and productive!
Decomposition is very important for recycling nutrients in nature. Here’s how it works:
Nutrient Release: Tiny living things like bacteria and fungi break down dead plants and animals. This process releases nutrients, like nitrogen and phosphorus, back into the soil. In fact, about 90% of the nutrients that plants need come from these decomposers!
Soil Fertility: When organic matter breaks down, it increases the amount of organic carbon in the soil. This makes the soil healthier and better for growing plants. Healthy soil usually has about 1-4% organic matter.
Nutrient Cycling: Decomposition helps with the nitrogen cycle. It changes organic nitrogen into simpler forms. About 80% of the nitrogen in the soil comes from things that have decomposed.
Ecosystem Stability: Good decomposition helps plants grow well and keeps ecosystems strong. About 20% of carbon is stored in the soil because of the breakdown of organic matter.
In short, decomposition is a key player in keeping our ecosystems healthy and productive!