Decay and nutrient cycling, Biology

Assignment Help:

Decay and Nutrient Cycling

Soil organisms are the chief agents of decay of organic matter. Decomposition and mineralisation of organic matter results in release of inorganic nutrients which can be absorbed by roots to sustain plant growth. In soil, the decomposers, that include a vast variety of bacteria, actinomycetes and fungi act on the organic matter. These organisms bring about the hydrolysis and oxidation of organic compounds through their enzymes. Complex organic compounds are broken down into simpler compounds until at last, carbon, hydrogen and oxygen are finally released as carbon dioxide and water. Other nutrients contained in the organic matter are released in inorganic form. You might recall that the conversion of nutrients present in the organic matter into inorganic form is termed as mineralisation. The whole process is as follows. Organisms like the fungi, ants, beetles, mites, slugs and snails, sometimes invade fragments of litter even before they fall on the ground. In subsequent transformations, each type of organic substance (carbohydrates, proteins and fats) as well as each stage in the breakdown of these substances, has its own specific set of saprophytes which act upon the organic material so that decay progresses by stages. For example, proteins are broken down successively into amino acids, ammonium salts, nitrites and nitrates, each step being the result of action of a different organism or group of organisms. Therefore, the process of decomposition consists of several overlapping cycles. As a result of decomposition of organic matter humus is formed. which is quite resistant to further alteration. You have already studied it earlier.


Related Discussions:- Decay and nutrient cycling

Eye ball, WALL OF EYE BALL - Outer to inner 3 layers present. 1. Scl...

WALL OF EYE BALL - Outer to inner 3 layers present. 1. Sclerotic or fibrous Tunic 2. Choroid or uvea or vescular Tunic. 3. Retina or neuro sensory tunic. Sclerotic

Some common air pollutants: hydrocarbon, Hydrocarbon (HC): Hydrocarbons ...

Hydrocarbon (HC): Hydrocarbons such as methane, ethylene, acetylene is present in air. Most of these are low molecular weight gases and liquids at ordinary temperature. Sour

Definition of counselling, Q. Definition of Counselling? Counselling ha...

Q. Definition of Counselling? Counselling has been defined as a process of helping/enabling a person/people solve certain interpersonal (not able to continue relationship), emo

What is commensalism, What is commensalism? Commensalism is the ecologi...

What is commensalism? Commensalism is the ecological interaction in which one individual advantage while the other is neither benefited nor harmed. Commensalism is a harmonious

Why water and electrolytes are important for exercise, Why Water and Electr...

Why Water and Electrolytes are important for exercise? Water and electrolytes are important for exercise performance as they maintain blood volume and osmolality, thermoregulat

Stds, define stds give 5 examples of stds give signs, symptoms, treatment a...

define stds give 5 examples of stds give signs, symptoms, treatment and prevention of each example

Differentiate between glycogenesis and glycogenolysis, Differentiate betwee...

Differentiate between glycogenesis and glycogenolysis. The synthesis  of glycogen in liver and muscle  is  called glycogenesis.  The breakdown of glycogen in the liver (glycoge

Microorganisms, MICROORGANISMS : Great care must be taken in microbiologic...

MICROORGANISMS : Great care must be taken in microbiological experiments, particularly with pathogenic (disease producing) organisms. Many microorganisms which are normally harmle

Enumerate about the visual field examination, Visual Field Examination ...

Visual Field Examination Russel et. al include a formal visual field examination using a parameter as part of their assessment procedure. Tests in the expanded version include

What are the joints, What are the joints Joints are the place of artic...

What are the joints Joints are the place of articulation between two or more bones, or between a bone and a cartilage. Due to the presence of a number of joints, the movement

Write Your Message!

Captcha
Free Assignment Quote

Assured A++ Grade

Get guaranteed satisfaction & time on delivery in every assignment order you paid with us! We ensure premium quality solution document along with free turntin report!

All rights reserved! Copyrights ©2019-2020 ExpertsMind IT Educational Pvt Ltd