Question:

During the decomposition process, mineralisation by micro-organisms leads to the release of which nutrients into the soil ?

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Mineralisation is the last step of decomposition, in which microbes convert humus into inorganic nutrients.
Updated On: Oct 23, 2026
  • Inorganic nutrients from humus
  • Both organic and inorganic nutrients from detritus
  • Organic nutrients from humus
  • Inorganic nutrients from detritus and formation of humus
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Recall the steps of decomposition:
Decomposition has fragmentation, leaching, catabolism, humification and mineralisation.
Humification forms humus, a dark, resistant material. Mineralisation is the later release of inorganic nutrients from humus.

Step 2: Define mineralisation:
Some microbes act slowly on humus. They break it down and release inorganic nutrients like nitrates and phosphates into the soil.

Step 3: Check each option:
(A) Inorganic nutrients from humus is the textbook meaning. This is correct.
(B) Mineralisation does not release organic nutrients. So it is wrong.
(C) The nutrients released are inorganic, not organic. So it is wrong.
(D) Formation of humus is humification, a separate step, and the source of minerals is humus. So it is wrong.

Final Answer:
Mineralisation releases inorganic nutrients from humus, which is option (A).
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