Decomposition

• Decay/decomposition is the breakdown of dead matter

  Essential elements are recycled (eg carbon and nitrogen) back into the soil and air
• • Decomposers are living organisms that break down dead matter.
  • Decomposers include soil bacteria and fungi
• As the temperature increases, the rate of decomposition increases because the decomposers contain enzymes which digests dead matter. The enzymes gain kinetic energy which are involved in respiration so more energy is released, and are able to reproduce faster. When the temperature increases to the optimum temp, the enzymes denature and the reaction stops
• As the amount of water increases, the rate of decomposition increases because many decomposers need water to produce cytoplasm, which will carry out reactions.
• As the amount of oxygen increases, the rate of decomposition increases because many decomposers need oxygen for aerobic respiration, releasing energy, allowing reproduction. When oxygen levels are low, the rate decreases as some decomposers respire anaerobically, meaning less energy is transferred, making the decomposers work slowly.