The decomposition of detritus is due to activities of microorganisms. The rate of growth of microbes is affected by temperature. The pH of substratum affects the composition of microbes (acidophiles / basophiles) which degrade the dead organic matter. If oxygen is present, aerobic degradation occurs. In the absence of oxygen anaerobiosis sets in and there will be incomplete degradation. Also, the degradation is due to activity of exoenzymes secreted by the microbes and the activity of enzyme is affected by factors such as temperature etc.
