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Sylvia Rose

Rot & Decay: Process of Organic Putrefaction

Updated: Oct 20

Decay is a fundamental aspect of life cycles. An essential and complex process in the natural world, decay involves breakdown of organic materials in many ingenious ways. For any biological matter, decay or rot is vital to recycle nutrients and energy back into ecosystems.



decomposing animal skulls

Decay of Plant Materials


Decay is also broadly known as decomposition, putrefaction, rot and spoilage. The decay of plant materials typically begins when leaves, stems, and roots of plants die and fall to the ground.


As these materials break down, they provide a rich source of nutrients for the soil. Decomposers, such as bacteria and fungi, play a pivotal role in this process.


For example, fallen leaves undergo decomposition in a few stages, beginning with the physical breakdown by environmental factors like wind and rain, followed by the involvement of decomposers breaking them down at a microscopic level.



rotting apples

The decay of plant materials marks the beginning of a transformative journey back into the earth. As fallen leaves, branches, and fruits succumb to decay, they undergo a series of biological processes orchestrated by microscopic organisms.


Bacteria, molds, and fungi play a vital role in breaking down complex plant structures into simpler organic compounds, facilitating nutrient recycling and enriching the soil with vital minerals.


Decay of Animal Materials


When it comes to animal materials, decay usually occurs after death. Animal remains, including bones, flesh, and fur, are subjected to forces of decomposition. Scavengers, such as vultures, hyenas and insects, often initiate the decay process by consuming soft tissues.



dead bird

Bacteria, alongside other microorganisms, assist in breakdown of animal tissues, turning flesh and bones into nutrients to fuel new life. Once the body starts to decompose, bacteria and fungi convert complex matter into simple substances and return vital nutrients to the soil.


Types of Decay


There are several types of decomposition and decay, depending on conditions and types of organic materials involved. Each type manifests unique characteristics.


From aerobic decay in the presence of oxygen to anaerobic decay in oxygen-deprived environments the diverse types of decay show the adaptability and resilience of nature's unseen decomposers.


Hungry molds
Hungry molds

  1. Aerobic Decay: This process occurs in the presence of oxygen, which allows aerobic bacteria to thrive. This type of decay typically generates heat and is faster due to the active microbial activity.

  2. Anaerobic Decay: In contrast, anaerobic decay occurs in environments devoid of oxygen, such as deep water or compacted soil. This type of decay is significantly slower and can produce gases like methane, resulting in foul odors.

  3. Putrefaction: This term refers specifically to the decay of animal tissues, characterized by the foul smell and gases produced via decomposition.

  4. Mineralization: This process involves converting organic matter into inorganic substances, allowing nutrients to be reabsorbed by plants.



a lot of fungi

In alchemy, rot, decay and putrefaction relate to the black or nigredo phase. Alchemists are familiar with these effects, for in observing nature one sees how life comes from breakdown of elements after death. Creation of life-giving and health-boosting potions is an alchemical goal.


In a live organism, frostbite can cause gangrene, the localized death and decomposition of body tissue, resulting from either obstructed circulation or bacterial infection. Gangrene can also manifest in untreated wounds and later stages of leprosy.


Symptoms of septicemic plague, one of the three forms of plague, may include blackened tissue from gangrene. People with diabetes have an increased risk of developing gangrene, especially of the feet.



Ruins of a Historical Fortress and later Leper Colony on Spinalonga Island, Greece
Four stages of gangrene, inc one (top right) caused by blockage of venous blood due to heart disease.

Conditions Required for Decay


For decay to occur efficiently, several conditions must be met:


  • Moisture: Water is essential for microbial life and the breakdown of organic matter. Organic materials in dry conditions will decompose much slower.

  • Temperature: Warmer temperatures generally accelerate decay rates as they promote microbial activity. Excessive heat can inhibit some decomposers.

  • Oxygen: Adequate oxygen must be available for aerobic decay, while anaerobic decay can occur in low-oxygen environments.

  • pH Level: A neutral pH level is often optimal for many decomposers, although some species can thrive in acidic or alkaline conditions.


Adequate moisture, suitable temperatures, and presence of essential nutrients are prerequisites for the thriving community of organisms involved in rot and decay. The conditions for decay are orchestrated by the invisible custodians of nature.



Bacillus bacteria
Bacillus bacteria

Bacteria, molds, and fungi are primary architects of decay, using enzymes to dismantle organic matter piece by piece. With an interactive process of biochemical reactions, the microbes catalyze the breakdown of organic entities, ensuring no resource goes to waste.


Bacteria


Bacteria are among the most crucial organisms in the decay process. Microscopic decomposers, they break down organic matter by secreting enzymes.


Different types of bacteria specialize in various materials. Some metabolize cellulose from plant material or proteins from animal tissues. Without bacteria, the world would be overwhelmed with dead organic matter.



guy looking at petri dishes with mold

Molds & Fungi


Fungi are essential decay agents, particularly in breaking down tough organic materials like wood and leaf litter. Mold and mushrooms release enzymes that decompose complex organic compounds into simpler forms, making nutrients available to plants.


Some fungi form symbiotic relationships with plants, enhancing nutrient exchange and benefiting both organisms.


Other Organisms Important to Decay


Beyond bacteria and fungi, many other organisms assist in the decay process. These include insects like flies, beetles and parasitic wasps, which facilitate the breakdown of organic matter through their feeding habits, and larger scavengers that help in the initial phase of decomposition.



Weaver ants clean up insects and other animal matter
Weaver ants hunt and clean up insects and forage for other animal matter, be it dead or alive

Larger birds and animals scavenge and breaking down carcasses, redistributing nutrients across the landscape. Vultures are specially adapted with acidic antibacterial urine to clean off any microcosmic hitchhikers.



Non-Fiction Books:


Fiction Books:

READ: Lora Ley Adventures - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series

READ: Reiker For Hire - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries







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