Chapter 21 - Decompositions and Nutrient Cycling Flashcards
1
Q
Detritus
A
dead organic matter
2
Q
Where is detritus found in soil profile
A
on surface of soil
3
Q
Macroscopic decomposers
A
earthworms, nematodes, insect larvae
4
Q
Microscopic decomposers
A
bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes (thread-like bacteria)
5
Q
Abiotic factors that influence decomposition
A
- Soil temperature
- Soil moisture
- Soil pH
- Litter quality
6
Q
Mineralization
A
release of inorganic compounds from decomposing matter (Nitrogen and phosphorus)
7
Q
Immobilization
A
is the reverse process of mineralization, wherein nutrients are converted from the inorganic to organic forms
8
Q
Low molecular weight carbon compounds
A
easy to degrade
9
Q
Nutrients – Inputs and Recycling: Wetfall
A
input via precipitation
10
Q
Nutrients – Inputs and Recycling: Dryfall
A
input from aerosols
11
Q
affects of nutrient poor sites
A
- Nutrient-poor sites encourage below ground productivity
- Nutrient-poor sites produce plants with low quality tissue for herbivory (quantitative inhibitors)
- Nutrient-poor sites produce low quality litter
12
Q
Nutrient spiraling in streams
A
- Measured as the distance needed to complete one cycle — the longer the distance required, the more open the spiral
- Nutrients are carried downstream via the organic matter
13
Q
Why are Estuaries very productive
A
- Shallow water with ample sunlight – a lot of primary producers
- Nutrients are available
- Ocean tides bring in oxygenated water
- Comparison (East vs. West Coast
