Final answer:
The C/N ratio influences decomposition rates and determines how quickly nitrogen is made available for plant use. A higher C/N ratio slows decomposition, while a lower ratio speeds it up. Bacteria in the soil are crucial in converting nitrogen into forms that plants can absorb.
Step-by-step explanation:
The C/N ratio, or carbon-to-nitrogen ratio, refers to the amount of carbon relative to nitrogen in a substance. This ratio is an important factor in decomposition rates and nitrogen availability for plants. A high C/N ratio means there's a lot of carbon compared to nitrogen, which can slow down the decomposition process because microbes that breakdown organic matter require nitrogen for their growth.
Conversely, a lower C/N ratio can lead to a faster decomposition rate since it more closely matches the needs of decomposers. As organic matter decomposes, it releases nitrogen back into the soil, making it available for plant uptake. Remarkably, certain bacteria play a key role in this process by converting nitrogen from different sources, through steps such as ammonification, nitrification, and denitrification, making it usable for plants.