Factors that affect the rate of decomposition

• Factors that effect rate of decomposition:

  temperature

  moisture

  oxygen
• Temperature: most decomposers work best in warm temperatures. if the temperature is too high the enzymes used for microorganisms denature resulting in death. if the temperature is too low the rate of decomposition is slow because the rate on enzyme-controlled reactions are slow. the rate at which the microorganisms replicate is also slow.
• Moisture: if there is is not enough water available, reactions within the microorganisms will be slow or prevented. this reduces or stops decomposition. However, decomposers can be slow in waterlogged soils too. this is because there is very little oxygen available om soil that is very wet.
• Oxygen: oxygen is needed for microorganisms to respire aerobically. if we can remove oxygen we can prevent most forms of decomposition. some decomposers can respire anaerobically but this transfers less energy so decomposition is slower
• Nutrients: nutrient levels affect the rate of decomposition by affecting the growth rates of decomposer organisms. if there are no nutrients available then the rate of decomposition will be reduced. if there are plenty of nutrients available then the rate of decomposition will increase.
• pH: pH affects the activity of enzymes involved in decomposition. optimum conditions for many decomposer organisms are around neutral ph. acidic environments reduce the rate of decomposition due to the fact that the enzymes become less effective. alkaline environments have similar effects but they may cause the cell membranes of the decomposing material to break down more quickly than normal.
• Rate of decay(g/day)= change in mass(g)/time(day)