CHAPTER 9: DECOMPOSITION & NUTRIENT CYCLING ECOLEC

Decomposition

Breakdown of chemical bonds and release of energy
It is also turns organic compounds into inorganic nutrients

Energy

What is obtained through the oxidation of carbon compounds, carbohydrates?

Process of decomposition

“Leaching, Fragmentation, Changes in physical and chemical structure, Ingestion, Excretion of waste products” This process is called?

Factors influencing decomposition

• Types of carbon compounds​

• Glucose & other simple sugars are easily broken down and provide a high-quality source of carbon​

• Cellulose and hemicellulose​

• Lignins ​

• Physical environment ​

• Temperature & moisture​

Macro and Micro-decomposers

2 types of decomposers

Cellulose, Hemicellulose

These are the main constituents of cell walls

Lignins

These decompose the slowest

Nutrient mineralization

Microbial decomposers > organic compounds to inorganic compounds​

Nutrient Immobilization

Microbial decomposers > inorganic nutrients to organic form​

Rates

Nutrient content of the dead organic matter being consumed

Primary Productivity

• determines the rate of nutrient transfer ​

• inorganic to organic form ​

• nutrient uptake​

Decomposition

• determines the rate of transformation ​

• organic nutrients into inorganic​

• net mineralization rate​

Canopy

Zone of primary production in terrestrial

Forest floor

Zone of decomposition in terrestrial

Photic zone

Zone of primary production in aquatic

Benthic zone

Zone of decomposition in Aquatic

Nutrient Spiraling

This is when Nutrients are continuously being transported downstream, a spiral rather.​ Depends on how fast the water moves and the physical and biological factors that hold nutrients in place​