Litter Decomposition

Abstract

Through the process of decomposition, dead organic material is broken down into particles of progressively smaller size, until the structure can no longer be recognised, and organic molecules are mineralised to their prime constituents: H2O, CO2 and recalcitrant organic as well as mineral components. During litter decomposition, C may additionally be leached as dissolved organic C to the mineral soil. Other mineral components, like K and Mn, are released from the original tissue.