Question

How does the chemical composition of detritus affect decomposition? Name the two important climatic factors that regulate decomposition by affecting soil microbes.

Answer 1

Decomposition of detritus is an oxygen requiring process i.e. it takes place under aerobic condition in the presence of oxygen. Chemical composition of detritus affects decomposition. Detritus which is rich in nitrogen and water soluble substances decomposes rapidly whereas the detritus having chitin and lignin decompose at a very slow rate.
temperature and rainfall