B2 - Conditions that Slow Decomposition

Decomposition is slower in some conditions than others. For example, decomposition takes much longer in waterlogged soils than drained soils, and longer in acidic soils than neutral soils.

Here is the reason why:

• In waterlogged soils -
  • bacteria and fungi require oxygen to respire and produce enough energy to decompose organic material.
  • if the soil is heavily soaked, then the decomposers have very little oxygen and cannot respire to the same levels.
  • they have less…