Decomposers – Examples, PDF


There are many intricate organic relationships one can observe and connect within the context of an ecosystem. One of the most pivotal organisms that exist in the lowest level of the food web is the decomposers.

Decomposers

1. Introduction to the Decomposers

teachengineering.org
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2. Worms and Decomposers

lpi.oregonstate.edu
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3. Decomposers and Composting Template

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What Are Decomposers

Decomposers are organisms that compose one-third of the biotic factors in a given environment or ecosystem. They are part of the lowest trophic level and will affect some of the abiotic factors in their native environment.

How to Create Fertilizers Using Bacteria as Decomposers

Fertilizers are very useful commodities that can enhance the quality of the soil plants are planted on. One can create fertilizers through the fermentation process of bacteria as they will digest organic matter.

Step 1: Obtain a Large Sack or Container

Begin by obtaining a large sack or container for the homemade fertilizer. Ensure that the sack or container can be properly sealed and can prevent sunlight from entering as outside exposure can destroy the product.

Step 2: Get and Deposit Various Soil and Organic Matter

When you have obtained the large sack or container, you must now fill it with soil and other decomposable organic matter. Note that the amount of organic matter and soil you use will require proportional amounts of decomposers.

Step 3: Introduce a Decomposer

Bacteria are one of the types of decomposers that one can easily obtain from a general goods store. Lactobacillus is a type of good bacteria that is can be very helpful when ingested by humans, which are primarily found in yogurt and yogurt-related products. This bacteria has also many uses outside of our gut, you will need to introduce lactobacillus into the organic matter by using three to four small bottles of yogurt. Be sure that the yogurt you use has a lot of lactobacillus in it. (i.e. Yakult)

Step 4: Ensure Proper Amounts of Water Is Fed to the Decomposer Community

Water is required by the lactobacillus to survive, so be sure to add one to two liters of water into the container. The bigger the container the more water is required for the whole community.

Step 5: Store in a Place with Little to No Sunlight

When using bacteria as a primary decomposer of the fertilizer, you must ensure that the storage is tightly sealed and stored in a dark place. Note the container will heat up due to the decomposition process of bacteria releasing thermal energy.


FAQs

Why are decomposers an important part of the food chain or food web?

Decomposers compose the lowest part of the food chain or food web. This is because they have a specific function wherein they decompose organic matter into base nutrients that will be supplied to the producers of the food chain or food web. The decomposers ensure that the food chain or food web will have an efficient energy cycle that will cover all the bases and stages of the whole thing. Without the decomposers, the soil where the plants and trees grow will have insufficient nutrients, which will inhibit the growth of all the plants in the whole biosphere. In conclusion, decomposers are an essential part of the food chain or food web as everything hinges on these organisms to decompose organic matter into raw nutrients and energy.

What are the three types of decomposers?

One can divide and categorize decomposers into three very distinct categories based on the physical characteristics and attributes of the decomposer. The first type of decomposers is called the fungi, which are organic organisms that can sprout up anywhere in the world and propagate through the usage of spores. Bacteria are the second type of decomposers, which are microscopic organisms that will break down organic materials into nutrients through the usage of various chemicals. The final type of decomposers are called the invertebrates, which are small and lithe animals that do not possess a backbone; examples include worms, millipedes, and centipedes. These are the three types of decomposers you can observe in the natural world.

How does climate change affect the state of decomposers?

Climate change has a lot of effects that can contribute to large changes in the natural environment of the Earth. Decomposers have an intricate relationship with the environment as one of their objectives and goals in a community is to provide nutrients to the surrounding area. Due to global warming, specific biomasses will decompose faster, and the metabolic rate will increase, which will cause an imbalance in the nutrients and litter the decomposers to add to the soil around them. This will alter some of the presence of decomposers in a given area which might shift the ecological balance of said location.

Decomposers are organisms that are present in the lowest part of the food chain. These organisms decompose living and organic matter into more base nutrients for the flora to use and grow. Because of the decomposition process, these organisms are pivotal to the survival of all the organisms in a given ecosystem.

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