Humification

Stages Involved

1. Litter
2. Fragmentation
3. Leaching

Fragmentation & Leaching happen simultaneously

4. Catabolism
5. Humification and Mineralization

Factors

• temperature
• water
• oxygen

Special Cases

Aerobic Decomposition

• moderate temp
• moderate water
• optimum oxygen
• faster rate of decomposition
• found in:
  • Tropical rainforest
    • optimal biome
    • faster circulation of matter

Anaerobic Decomposition

• ⬆️ temp
• ⬆️ water
• ⬇️ oxygen
• found in:
  • wetlands
  • acts as carbon sink

Desertic Conditions

• ⬆️ temp
• ⬇️ water
• ⬆️ oxygen
• Deserts
• slow rate

Cold Climatic Conditions

• ⬇️ temp
• ⬆️ water
• ⬆️ oxygen
• tundra
• slow decomposition