Page 54 - Enzymes in Tropical Soils

42 Enzymes In Tropical Soils

4.3 Enzymes in the Cycling of Carbon

The transformation of organic matters to their more simple constituents
that are available for plant root absorption continued by the absorption of these
constituents by plant roots and the following formation of organic substances
through photosynthesis in the plant-leaf chlorophyls is called Carbon-Cycle or C-
Cycle (Fig. 4.5). The soil microorganisms involved in the destruction of organic
matters into their constituents are called decomposers. Decomposers are of great
importance in the C-Cycle that also involve Producers (plants with chlorophyls),
Consumers (animals and humans), and Decomposers (Microorganisms). Without
Decomposers, organic matters may be accumulated in the environment causing
various problems. This phenomenon are usual in big cities inhabited by modern
and consumptive communities.

PLANTS
NUTRIENTS +
(PRODUCERS
CO 2 OF CH 2 O)

SOIL MICRO- ENZYMES ANIMALS/
ORGANISMS HUMANS
(DECOMPOSERS) (CONSUMERS)

ORGANIC
MATTERS
(CH 2 O)

Fig. 4.5. The role of soil microorganisms in the Carbon-Cycle.

Because its important role in the destruction of organic matters, soil
microorganisms are important not only in the C-Cycle but also in the cycles of other
nutrient elements. In the absence of soil microorganims, nutrient elements in the
residues of plants, animals, and humans will be accumulated and can not be

Abdul Kadir Salam - 2014