Lecture 3 Flashcards
1
Q
Sources of organic matter?
A
Plant tissue - roots, leaves & stems of vegetation
Soil fauna and microorganisms
2
Q
Types and decomposition of soil organic matter ?
A
Sugars, starch and protein
Cellulose
Fats and waxes
Lignins
3
Q
Phases of decomposition ?
A
Phase 1 - mainly leaching of cell soluble compounds
Phase 2 - fragmentation and chemical alteration
Phase 3 - chemical alteration and leaching of breakdown products
4
Q
Factors controlling decomposition?
A
Physical environment
Quantity and quality of substrate available to decomposers
Characteristics of the microbial community
