https://emsenn.net/tags/carbon-cycling/ Recent content in Carbon-Cycling on emsenn.net Hugo en Fri, 06 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000 https://emsenn.net/library/domains/science/domains/biology/domains/mycology/terms/decomposition-as-relation/ Fri, 06 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000 https://emsenn.net/library/domains/science/domains/biology/domains/mycology/terms/decomposition-as-relation/ <p>Fungi are the primary decomposers in terrestrial ecosystems. They are the only organisms that can fully degrade lignin, the aromatic polymer that constitutes 20-30% of woody plant biomass and is the second most abundant organic polymer on Earth after cellulose. Without fungal decomposition, dead plant matter would accumulate indefinitely, removing carbon and nutrients from biological circulation. Fungal decomposition recycles an estimated 85-90% of the carbon in dead wood and leaf litter in forest ecosystems.</p>