Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow:-

The earthworm is often referred to as the farmer's 'friend' due to its beneficial role in the breakdown of complex organic matter and soil aeration. Similarly, decomposers play a crucial role in converting complex organic matter into inorganic substances like carbon dioxide, water, and nutrients through the process of decomposition. Detritus, consisting of dead plant remains (leaves, bark, flowers) and animal waste, serves as the raw material for decomposition. Decomposition involves several important steps: fragmentation, leaching, catabolism, humification, and mineralization.

Which of the following factors make decomposition faster?

Detritus rich in nitrogen and water soluble substances like sugars.

The correct answer is Option (2) -Detritus rich in nitrogen and water soluble substances like sugars.

The correct option is:

Detritus rich in nitrogen and water-soluble substances like sugars.

Detritus rich in nitrogen and water-soluble substances provides a favorable environment for the activity of decomposers, such as bacteria and fungi, which accelerates the decomposition process. Nitrogen is an essential component for the synthesis of enzymes involved in decomposition, and water-soluble substances like sugars serve as a readily available energy source for decomposer organisms.

Detritus rich in lignin and chitin; low temperature and anaerobiosis make decomposition slower.