MICROBIAL DECAY PROCESS
posted on Dec 17, 2023
"Exploring the Silent Architects: Microbes as Agents of Decay in the Natural World"
MICROBIAL DECAY PROCESS
In natural ecosystems, when something dies, life is renewed. Life always regenerates itself in this ever-present universal cycle of interrelationships. Then what is it that renews the lives? Its decomposition that creates the conditions for more life.
Decay or decomposition happens everywhere where there is life -in our bodies(digestion), in our food (meat that smells funky or bread that’s gone green), in our soil (the living rhizosphere), and in our systems. Furthermore, the process of decay of matter is done by the intervention of microorganisms.
The term decomposition means “to break down”. It typically corresponds to the disintegration or rupture of complex organic matter into a simpler inorganic matter. It is one of the significant and essential processes of the ecosystem. Hence, decomposition is a metabolic process, taking up raw materials in the form of complex compounds, processing it and then converting it into simpler compounds.
Bacteria, fungi and a few other microorganisms initiate the process of decomposition and are known as decomposers. They feed on dead organisms to survive.
The decaying and dead animals and plants serve as the raw materials which, on the breakdown, produces nutrients, carbon dioxide, and water, etc. Detritus are the raw materials such as dead animals, plants and their remains. Microbes then process this detritus which are collectively known as saprophytes.
Why Decomposition?
As mentioned above, Decomposition feeds new growth
Decomposition and decay may appear to be unpleasant processes from our human perspective. However, they are vital for the functioning of ecosystems. Just like compost in a garden, they provide essential nutrients for the growth of new organisms. In contrast, this microbial decay process can’t be ignored.
Essentiality of microbial decay
Decomposers play a critical role in the flow of energy through an ecosystem. They break apart dead organisms into simpler inorganic materials, making nutrients available to primary producers. They are a key aspect of the cyclical processes that maintain all life on Earth. A renewed appreciation of their importance will help humans to protect and sustain ecosystems. This appreciation may even provide inspiration for alternatives to the unsustainable unlimited growth model that drives human culture today.
Factors affecting microbial decomposition
There are so many factors affecting the decomposition processes.
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Litter Quality
The rate of decomposition depends on the structural and chemical properties of litter. For eg., the litter of bryophytes are decomposed at a slower rate due to the presence of lignin like complex chemicals.
2. Temperature
Temperature regulates the growth and activity of microorganisms. The temperature is different at different elevations. The species diversity and the microorganism count is affected by environmental changes.
3. Aeration
The oxygen present in the pores of the soil helps in the growth of microorganisms. In the water-logged soils, the aerobic microorganisms are absent. Here only anaerobic microorganisms can grow and initiate decomposition.
4.Soil pH
The presence of cations and anions governs the pH of the soil, which in turn affects microbial growth.
5.Inorganic Chemicals
After decomposition, the elements like potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium are released into the soil.
6.Moisture
The water present in the soil is responsible for various physiological processes of microorganisms present in the soil. The growth of microorganisms is thus governed by the presence of moisture in the soil.
Process of Microbial decay
Death and decomposition are an essential part of all life cycles on earth. In order to permit a successful continuation of life and growth of new plants and animals, older specimens must die and decompose. This process provides essential nutrients for plants and also for the growth and development of new organisms.
Example – silver chloride decomposes to silver and chlorine gas when sunlight falls on it. Electrolysis – in this decomposition reaction, reactant on passing electricity it breaks to products. Example – water decomposes to hydrogen gas and oxygen gas when electricity is passed through it. AB → A + B. Examples of decomposition reactions include the breakdown of hydrogen peroxide to water and oxygen, and the breakdown of water to hydrogen and oxygen.
A complete process of decomposition takes place in five different phases:
Fragmentation
It is the initial stage of decomposition. Fragmentation means the breakdown of detritus into smaller pieces by the detritivores.
Leaching
The fragmented particles may contain a lot of water-soluble nutrients which are inorganic in nature. These nutrients get dissolved in the water and seep into the soil and get precipitated in the process of leaching.
Catabolism
Once the complex material is broken down into smaller particles and the inorganic nutrients are removed, it is time to convert the detritus into simpler inorganic compounds. This process is carried out by various fungal and bacterial enzymes by the process of catabolism.
Humification
Tis the process of formation of a dark-coloured layer of amorphous substance on the soil called humus. It cannot be decomposed easily as it is highly resistant to the action of microbes. The layer of humus is very rich in nutrients as it provides high fertility to the soil.
Mineralization
Tis the final step in the process. Mineralization is the process of the degradation of the hummus to release inorganic nutrients.
End Thought
Now that we’re wholly aware of how microbial decay creates or renews lives and moreover how it is important in our ecosystem management, our foremost function ought to being unable to refrain from the nature in this process. And at the end all I would say is to never stop trying helping the nature in its natural cures like decompression. Furthermore, I hope that we will be highly obliged to aid our nature like this .
Manya Singla
IX B