What does mineralization of nutrients refer to?

Mineralization of nutrients specifically refers to the process by which complex organic materials, such as plant and animal matter, are broken down into simpler inorganic forms, such as minerals. This process typically involves the action of decomposers, such as microorganisms and fungi, that metabolize organic compounds and release nutrients in forms that are more readily available for uptake by plants.

Through mineralization, nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur are transformed from organic compounds (like proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids) into simpler mineral forms (like ammonium, phosphate, and sulfates), which can then be recycled in the ecosystem. This conversion is vital for nutrient cycling and ecosystem productivity, as it ensures that essential elements are continuously made available in a form accessible to primary producers, thus supporting the entire food web.