Abstract
The biodegradation of plant, animal and microbial debris is a complex and multifacited process involving an enormous number and variety of soil organisms. For the purpose of this chapter, biodegradation is seen as involving two distinct yet inter-related phenomena: (1) the breakdown of organic debris and its macromolecular components by extracellular enzymes as a prelude to assimilation and mineralization of soluble low molecular weight products; and (2) the formation and fate of polyaromatic substances and polysaccharides (i.e. humus) arising during microbial metabolism.
Cite
CITATION STYLE
Burns, R. G., & Martin, J. P. (1986). Biodegradation of Organic Residues in Soil. In Microfloral and faunal interactions in natural and agro-ecosystems (pp. 137–202). Springer Netherlands. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-5173-0_4
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