Question

What is mineralisation?

Options

• The formation of humus during decomposition

• The conversion of humus into inorganic nutrients by microbial action

• The movement of water-soluble nutrients through the soil

• The physical breakdown of detritus into smaller particles

Answer 1

Mineralisation is the final step of decomposition where certain microbes further degrade humus, releasing inorganic nutrients back into the soil. These nutrients become available again to producers (plants), completing the nutrient cycle. This is the step that makes nutrients accessible to the living components of the ecosystem.