Mention the various steps included in the process of decomposition.

(N/A) The important steps in the process of decomposition are fragmentation,leaching,catabolism,humification,and mineralization.
$(i)$ Fragmentation: Detritivores (e.g.,earthworm) break down detritus into smaller particles. This process is called fragmentation.
$(ii)$ Leaching: By the process of leaching,water-soluble inorganic nutrients go down into the soil horizon and get precipitated as unavailable salts.
$(iii)$ Catabolism: Bacterial and fungal enzymes degrade detritus into simpler inorganic substances. This process is called catabolism.
$(iv)$ Humification: Humification leads to the accumulation of a dark-colored amorphous substance called humus that is highly resistant to microbial action and undergoes decomposition at an extremely slow rate. Being colloidal in nature,it serves as a reservoir of nutrients.
$(v)$ Mineralization: The humus is further degraded by some microbes and release of inorganic nutrients occurs by the process known as mineralization.