Botany - Ecosystem Question with Solution | TestHub

The rate of decomposition of detritus is controlled by the chemical nature of detritus and a number of climatic factors given below.

• Chemical nature of detritus: The decomposition of detritus is slow if it contains lignin, chitin, tannins (phenolics) and cellulose. It is rapid if detritus possesses more nitrogenous compounds (like proteins, nucleic acids) and water-soluble reserve carbohydrates or sugars.
• The temperature above ${25}^{\mathrm{o}}\mathrm{C}$ favours the growth of microorganisms.
• Soil moisture is the most important climatic factors that regulate decomposition through their effects on the activities of soil microbes.
• Aeration: It is required for the activity of decomposers and detritivores. Reduced aeration will slow down the process of decomposition.
• Soil pH: The growth of microbes is low in acidic soils as compared to basic soils.

So, the detritus rich in lignin and chitin will undergo slow decomposition.