Q. Consider the following statements regarding the decomposition process in nature:

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

Which of the above statements is / are correct?
Answer: Only 2
Notes: Decomposition is faster if detritus contains more nitrogen and water-soluble substances; it slows when detritus is rich in lignin and chitin. Temperature and soil moisture are crucial climatic factors that influence the activity of soil microbes, thereby directly regulating decomposition. Thus, only statement 2 is correct; statement 1 is factually incorrect.