Define decomposition and describe the processes and products of decomposition.

(N/A) Decomposition is the process that involves the breakdown of complex organic matter or biomass from the body of dead plants and animals with the help of decomposers into inorganic raw materials such as $CO_{2}$,water,and other nutrients.
The various processes involved in decomposition are as follows:
$1$. Fragmentation: It is the first step in the process of decomposition. It involves the breakdown of detritus into smaller pieces by the action of detritivores such as earthworms.
$2$. Leaching: It is a process where the water-soluble nutrients go down into the soil layers and get locked as unavailable salts.
$3$. Catabolism: It is a process in which bacteria and fungi degrade detritus through various enzymes into simpler inorganic substances.
$4$. Humification: This step leads to the formation of a dark-colored,amorphous,colloidal substance called humus,which acts as a reservoir of nutrients for plants.
$5$. Mineralization: The humus is further degraded by the action of microbes,which leads to the release of inorganic nutrients into the soil. This process of releasing inorganic nutrients from the humus is known as mineralization.
The final products of decomposition include humus (a nutrient-rich substance) and inorganic raw materials such as $CO_{2}$,water,and various mineral nutrients.