Decomposition

• Decomposition: the breaking down of dead plant and animal matter to simpler chemical substances
• Organisms responsible for decomposition include bacteria, fungi, and invertebrates, such as beetles, flies and their larvae and worms
• The food is ingested and digested together with the soil
• Earthworms live on rotten plant material, draw into their underground tunnels
• Faeces of earthworms (wormcasts) are rich in nutrients such as calcium and phosphorus, makes surrounding soil fertile
• Food is digested in digestive tract, food is mixed with mircoorganisms
• Faeces have more microorganisms than ingested food
• Increase of microorganisms increases decomposition in the soil
• Termites also draw plant material underground, where it decomposes and contributes to the fertility of the soil