With reference to the decomposition of detritus or dead matter consider the following statements 1 L...........

Environment and Ecology (Easy) Environment

Download Solution PDF

With reference to the decomposition of detritus or dead matter, consider the following statements:

1. Low temperature (<10 degree Celsius) with a high soil moisture content favours high rate of decomposition.

2. The presence of nitrogen in detritus increases the decomposition rate.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1 only

2 only

Both 1 and 2

Neither 1 nor 2

छोटे Courses बड़े Results

Master Environment

Prepare through Micro-courses

Try Now

Explanation:

The rate of decomposition of detritus is regulated by the climatic factors like temperature and soil moisture as well as the chemical quality of detritus (dead matter). These factors limit the rate of decomposition through their regulatory effect on the activities of soil microbes.

Temperature and soil moisture: Organic waste matter decomposes rapidly at high temperatures (>25 degree Celsius) and moist conditions of humid tropical regions. However, low temperature (<10 degree Celsius) sharply reduces the decomposition rate even if the moisture content of the soil is high. Hence statement 1 is not correct.
Chemical quality of Detritus: The chemical quality of detritus is determined by the relative propositions of water-soluble substances like sugars, polyphenols, lignin, and nitrogen. Within the same climatic conditions, the decomposition rate is high when detritus is rich in nitrogen and has low amounts of lignin. High quantities of lignin and chitin lower the rate of decomposition. Hence statement 2 is correct.