Which nutrients are released from organic material during decomposition?

The release of nutrients during the decomposition of organic material is a vital process in the nutrient cycling of ecosystems, as it enriches the soil. Organic matter, such as plant and animal residues, contains a variety of nutrients that become available to plants through microbial action during decomposition.

Nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur are particularly important macronutrients and micronutrients that are commonly found in organic materials. When these materials decompose, microorganisms break down the complex organic compounds, leading to the release of these essential nutrients into the soil.

Nitrogen is a key component of amino acids and proteins, which are fundamental for plant growth and development. Phosphorus plays a crucial role in energy transfer, photosynthesis, and nutrient transport within plants. Sulfur is involved in the formation of certain amino acids and vitamins, and it is also critical for the overall health of plants.

The other options contain nutrients that are typically present in lower quantities or are less directly associated with the decomposition process of organic matter. While magnesium, sodium, calcium, iron, zinc, copper, potassium, boron, and molybdenum are important micronutrients for plant health, they are not the primary nutrients released from organic material during decomposition compared to nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur. Thus