Science Learning Hub logo
TopicsConceptsCitizen scienceTeacher PLDGlossary
Sign in
Image

Decay

Image of decaying food in a compost bin.

In the soil, decomposers (such as microbes and soil animals) break down dead plant material. As well as making nutrients available for living plants, this process also releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

Acknowledgement: A&L Schipper

Glossary

Rights: A&L Schipper
Published: 1 December 2016Size: 1.49 MB
Referencing Hub media

Explore related content

Appears inRelated resources
Interactive diagram about the global carbon cycle.

Interactive

Carbon cycle

Explore this interactive diagram to learn more about the carbon cycle. Click on the different labels to view short video ...

Read more
Ecosystems

Article

Ecosystems

What is an ecosystem?

Read more
Adrift

Citizen science

Adrift

Although invisible to the naked eye, marine microbes drift continually in our ocean systems, quietly consuming up to 50% of ...

Read more
Growing soil microbes

Activity

Growing soil microbes

In this activity, students investigate microbial presence in soil by building a habitat suitable for their growth.

Read more

See our newsletters here.

NewsEventsAboutContact usPrivacyCopyrightHelp

The Science Learning Hub Pokapū Akoranga Pūtaiao is funded through the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment's Science in Society Initiative.

Science Learning Hub Pokapū Akoranga Pūtaiao © 2007-2025 The University of Waikato Te Whare Wānanga o Waikato