The factors responsible for increasing the rate of decomposition are:
A. Detritus rich in nitrogen and sugars
B. Warm and moist environment
C. Availability of oxygen
D. Detritus rich in lignin and chitin
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → A, B and C only
The rate of decomposition depends on the chemical make-up of the detritus and on the climate. The main climatic factors are temperature and soil moisture, because they control the activity of the soil microbes. Decomposition is largely an oxygen-requiring process.
A. Detritus rich in nitrogen and sugars — Correct. Nitrogen and water-soluble substances such as sugars are broken down quickly by microbes.
B. Warm and moist environment — Correct. Warmth and moisture favour the microbes. Low temperature slows decomposition down.
C. Availability of oxygen — Correct. Where oxygen is missing (anaerobiosis), decomposition is inhibited and organic matter builds up.
D. Detritus rich in lignin and chitin — Incorrect. These tough substances break down slowly. So they lower the rate of decomposition.
NCERT Extract:
Decomposition – …
