mineralization

Biodegradability is the capacity of a material to be broken down by living organisms, such as bacteria and fungi, and reabsorbed by the environment. This process involves four stages: biodeterioration, biofragmentation, assimilation, and mineralization. Mineralization, also known as ultimate biodegradation, is the final stage where the material's components are redistributed through Earth's elemental cycles.1

Soil organisms, including bacteria, play a crucial role in decomposition, breaking down organic matter and releasing nutrients essential for plant growth. They are vital in natural cycles like carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur. While synthetic fertilizers have reduced their importance in agriculture, soil organisms remain essential in natural environments for nutrient cycling and soil fertility.2