Decomposition is the process by which once-living materials, such as leaves, dead insects, and animal waste, are broken down by organisms in the soil. This process transforms these materials into dark-colored organic matter, which is a key component of healthy soil. As organic matter decomposes, it enriches the soil, improves its ability to retain water, provides essential nutrients for plants, and enhances the overall soil structure by helping to keep soil pores open for water and air movement. Thus, decomposition plays a vital role in the formation and maintenance of organic matter in soil.
What is soil?
Soil is a mixture of weathered rock, rock fragments, decayed
organic matter, water, and air. About half the volume of soil
is solid materials. The other half is liquids and gases.
Weathering breaks rocks into smaller pieces. These
fragments, however, do not become good soil until plants
and animals live in them. Plants and animals add organic
matter to rock fragments. Organic matter is the remains of
something that was once alive.
Soil contains varying amounts of water and air in the
small holes and spaces in soil called pores. Soil pores are
important because water flows in and through them. The
movement of water through the pores is known as porosity.
The Organic Part of Soil
Organic matter in soil includes leaves, dead insects, and
waste products of animals. As living things die and fall to
the ground, organisms that live in the soil decompose these
materials for food. Decomposition is the process of changing
once-living material into dark-colored organic matter.
Organic matter affects soil properties. Dark soil absorbs
sunlight, while organic matter holds water and provides
plant nutrients. Organic material holds minerals in clusters.
This helps keep pores open for water and air to move in soil.Reading Check
1. Describe How is
decomposition related to
organic matter?
1 answer
1 answer