Biology, composting: immobilization vs mineralization
Organic groundskeeping leads to self-tutoring. The tutor defines two terms connected with composting.
In a properly functioning ecosystem, nutrients are constantly recycled – they are used by one organism, then released back to the soil to be retaken by another.
Immobilisation is the temporary possession of a nutrient by an organism (typically not a plant, but rather a decomposer). The decomposer needs the nutrient for its own life process. While the decomposer is alive, the nutrient it contains is unavailable to the surrounding plants.
Mineralization is release of nutrients to the environment. Now they are available to plants.
The eventual result of decomposition is mineralization. During decomposition, however, immobilization may happen.
Source:
Jack of Oracle Tutoring by Jack and Diane, Campbell River, BC.
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