Leaching and Fragmentation

Complex polymers Cellulose, hemicellulose, proteins, lipids, waxes, lignin 

Monomers Sugars, amino acids, fatty acids 

FIGURE 5.16 Schematic diagram of microbial degradation of soil organic matter. 

Plant detritus (either attached or detached from the plant) undergoes physical fragmentation through the action of waves and currents, UV exposure, and through grazing activities of macro invertebrates. Fragmentation of plant detritus into small fractions ( 1 mm) results in increased surface areas and accelerated microscale processes (such as enzymatic hydrolysis and catabolic activities). 

---