The process of mineralisation by microorganisms helps in the release of\

Question

Professor PC Thomas Classes · Answer

(a) : Mineralisation is the release of inorganic substances, both non-mineral (e.g., $\mathrm{CO}_{2}, \mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}$ ) and minerals (e.g., $\mathrm{Ca}^{2+}, \mathrm{Mg}^{2+}$, $\mathrm{K}^{+}, \mathrm{NH}_{4}{ }^{+}$) from organic matter. The process is slow because of trapping of these nutrients in humus and their immobilisation in decomposers/detritivores. It prevents their washing out or leaching. Nutrients immobilised in decomposer/detritivores are again exposed to humification and mineralisation after the death of these organisms.