Decomposition:-

It is the process of conversion of complex. Organic compound into simple raw material. An organism performing decomposition is called decomposition.

Detritus:- (litter + Duff) :- It is dead organic matter. It include dead plant part, dead animal body, etc.

• Litter fall:- Detritus above ground surface.
• Root detritous :- Detritus Blow ground surface. 

Process of Decomposition:-

1. FRAGMENTATION:- Breakdown of detritus in minute particle by deterivore animal. When detrious pass through detervior animal then it increase surface area of detritious for increase rate of reaction. The most common e.g.:- of deterviour animal is earthworm, so called friend of farmer. e.g.:- annelids, arthropods.

2. LEACHING:- After fragmentation the water soluble mineral percolate downward along with water.   

3. Catabolism:- It is extra cellular enzymatic conversion of detritus into simple compd. Organism which can perform catabolism called decomposers

humification:- It is formation of dark amorphous substances called humus from complex organic compound; humus is considered as reservoir of soil nutrient so called protoplasm of soil.

It is more resistant part of soil against Bacterial activity.

Mineralisation:- Conversion of complex organic compd. Into simple inorganic compound like Co₂, H₂O, soil nutrient then it become tree in soil for again absorption of mineral by root transport.

Humus:- It is breakdown into simple inorganic compd. But its conversion is very slow process.