Detritus and Decomposition in Ecosystems

Contents: Preface. I. Nature and composition of detritus: 1. Characteristics and categories. 2. Litter. 3. Dissolved organic matter. 4. Woody detritus. 5. Soil organic matter. II. Effects of detritus on environment: 1. The physical environment. 2. Chemical environment. 3. Biological environment. III. Decomposition: processes and patterns: 1. Processes. 2. Patterns. IV. Biotic factors of detritus decomposition: 1. Substrate quality. 2. Decomposer community. V. Soil enzymes and detritus decomposition: 1. Nature and role of soil enzymes. 2. Environmental conditions and microbial enzyme activity. VI. Abiotic factors of detritus decomposition: 1. Soil moisture. 2. Temperature. 3. pH. 4. Fire. 5. Soil atmosphere. 6. Soil texture and organic carbon. 7. Disturbance. VII. Humus biosynthesis: 1. Nature of humic substances. 2. Synthesis of humic substances. 3. Forms of humus. 4. Role of humic substances. VIII. Nutrient cycling: 1. Nutrient resorption. 2. Nutrient leaching. 3. Nutrient mineralization. References. Index.

"The present book is a detailed assessment of the pools and fluxes of detritus in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Besides presenting a comprehensive analysis of the process of detritus decomposition, the book gives an exhaustive account of the biotic and abiotic factors affecting the rate of detritus decomposition. Portrayal of the role of decomposition in nutrient cycling and delineation of the contemporary concepts of humus biosynthesis are the noteworthy features of this book. It is hoped that the book would be of immense use to the teachers, researchers, graduates and post-graduate students."