Carbon Mineralization

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Mineral Transformation in Soil Carbon Cycle Carbon Mineralization Cellulose Degradation Microorganisms Degrading Cellulose Hemicellulose Decomposition Microorganisms Utilizing Hemicelluloses Lignin Decomposition Microorganisms Degrading Lignin

Carbon Mineralization

Carbon Mineralization - Organic carbon compounds added to the soil are degraded by microorganisms and the CO2 generated in the process is released into the atmosphere. This process involves the combined metabolic activity of many kinds of microorganisms such as fungi, bacteria and actinomycetes. These organisms consume organic materials for the synthesis of their cell components and release CO2 through respiration.

These organisms on their death release CO2 under aerobic decomposition, while under anaerobic conditions, CH4, H2 and CO2 in addition to various organic acids and alcohols are produced.

The process of decomposition is initially fast, but slows down considerably as the supply of readily decomposible Organic matter gets exhausted.

Sugars, amino acids, lipids, starches and some of the hemicelluloses are decomposed rapidly, while cellulose and some hemicelluloses are decomposed slowly. Lignin is decomposed at an extremely slow rate.

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Nitrogen Cycle Extent of Bilogical Nitrogen Fixation Various Groups of Microorganisms and Nitrogen Fixation Classification of Rhizobia Based on Host Specificity Nitrogen Fixation by Different Groups of Rhizobia Phosphorus Cycle Sulphur Cycle Transformation of Other Elements

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