decomposers

• decomposers are bacteria and fungi
• when organisms die they are broken down by bacteria and fungi and into the soil
• the action of enzymes produced by the bacteria and fungi break down the dead matter and release nutrients and minerals (e.g. nitrogen) in the soil.
• the minerals enrich the soil making it more fertile for plants to grow
• factors that affect decomposition

  • oxygen- decomposers need oxygen. low oxygen concentration decreases the rate of decomposition
  • pH- the enzymes in decomposers work at an optimum pH. increasing or decreasing the pH will decrease the rate of decomposition
  • temperature- the enzymes in decomposers work best at optimum temperature. the lower the temperature the slower the rate of decomposition. if the temperature is 0 degrees celsius or below deco will completely