Decay

• Decay


  Microorganisms break down plant and animal material and waste to get energy. This process releases the material contained within the organisms so that it can cycle through the ecosystem.
• Decomposition


  Produces compost, which is decomposed organic matter (e.g. food waste) used as a natural fertiliser for crops and garden plants.
• Ideal conditions for quick decay to make compost

  Farmers and gardeners try to provide
• Factors affecting the rate of decay

  • Microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi, as well as detritus feeders, are responsible for decomposition
  • Organisms involved in decay need ideal conditions like temperature and water availability
  • Oxygen availability - many organisms need oxygen to respire, but anaerobic decay organisms don't need oxygen
  • Number of decay organisms - the more there are, the faster decomposition happens
• Warmer temperatures


  Increase the rate that the enzymes involved in decomposition work at, but if it's too hot decomposition slows down or stops because the enzymes are destroyed and the organisms die
• Colder temperatures


  Slow the rate of decomposition
• Moist environments


  Decay takes place faster because the organisms involved in decay need water to carry out biological processes
• Rainforest ecosystems usually have a very high rate of decay, because they are so hot and wet
• Many organisms need oxygen to respire, which they need to do to survive. The microorganisms involved in anaerobic decay don't need oxygen though.