hajottajat
Hajottajat, literally “decomposers” in Finnish, are organisms that break down dead organic matter and waste products, recycling nutrients back into ecosystems. They perform the final step in the detrital food web and are essential for nutrient cycling, soil formation, and the release of minerals that plants require.
The primary hajottajat are fungi and bacteria, which secrete extracellular enzymes to decompose complex polymers such
Hajottajat mineralize organic matter, releasing carbon dioxide, ammonium, nitrate and other nutrients. This mineralization supports plant
Environmental factors and responses
Decomposition rates depend on temperature, moisture, oxygen availability and substrate quality. Climate change, soil moisture variations,
Hajottajat are crucial in composting, wastewater treatment and soil remediation. Understanding their ecology helps in managing