The rate of decomposition is faster in the ecosystem due to following factors EXCEPT :
- Detritus rich in sugars
- Warm and moist environment
- Presence of aerobic soil microbes
- Detritus richer in lignin and chitin
Solution
The rate of decomposition of detritus is controlled by the chemical nature of detritus and a number of climatic factors given below.
- Chemical nature of detritus: The decomposition of detritus is slow if it contains lignin, chitin, tannins (phenolics) and cellulose. It is rapid if detritus possesses more nitrogenous compounds (like proteins, nucleic acids) and water-soluble reserve carbohydrates or sugars.
- The temperature above favours the growth of microorganisms.
- Soil moisture is the most important climatic factors that regulate decomposition through their effects on the activities of soil microbes.
- Aeration: It is required for the activity of decomposers and detritivores. Reduced aeration will slow down the process of decomposition.
- Soil pH: The growth of microbes is low in acidic soils as compared to basic soils.
So, the detritus rich in lignin and chitin will undergo slow decomposition.
Asked in: NEET 2020 (Phase 2)