What factor significantly affects the rate of organic decay?

The rate of organic decay is significantly influenced by plant litter quality because it directly affects the decomposition process carried out by microorganisms. High-quality litter, which is typically rich in nitrogen and has a balanced carbon-to-nitrogen ratio, is more easily broken down by decomposers such as bacteria and fungi. Conversely, low-quality litter, often high in lignin and cellulose, takes longer to decompose.

This quality of litter determines the nutrient content that microorganisms can access, which in turn influences their metabolic rates and overall activity during the decomposition process. As a result, understanding the characteristics of plant litter—such as its chemical composition and structural traits—plays a crucial role in predicting and managing organic decay rates within an ecosystem.

The other factors, while they do play a role in the decay process, are more context-dependent. For instance, while water availability is important, as too much or too little moisture can hinder microbial activity, it is the quality of the organic material that fundamentally drives decomposition. Similarly, soil pH and temperature fluctuations can impact microbial communities and their functions, but they do not have the same direct relationship with the inherent rate of decay as plant litter quality does.