Q. Consider the following statements:

1. Decomposition rate is slower if detritus is rich in nitrogen and water-soluble substances.
2. Temperature and soil moisture regulate decomposition.

Which of the above is / are correct?
Answer: Only 2
Notes: Decomposition is largely an oxygen-requiring process. The rate of decomposition is controlled by chemical composition of detritus and climatic factors. In a particular climatic condition, decomposition rate is slower if detritus is rich in lignin and chitin, and quicker, if detritus is rich in nitrogen and water-soluble substances like sugars. Temperature and soil moisture are the most important climatic factors that regulate decomposition through their effects on the activities of soil microbes.

This question is part of UPSC Daily 20 MCQ Series Course on GKToday Android app.