What happens to carbon in plants when the plants die?

Answer 1

When plants die, the carbon present in their organic matter undergoes decomposition. Decomposers, such as bacteria and fungi, break down the complex organic molecules present in dead plant material into simpler compounds. These decomposers obtain energy and nutrients from the dead plants, releasing carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere as a byproduct of respiration. This process is known as microbial decomposition or rotting. The decomposition of plant material returns the carbon stored in plants back into the carbon cycle.