Decomposition of (lclliilo.se 



113 



The aerobic cellulose-decomposing bacteria ha\c their tempera- 

 ture optimum at 20-28°C; the anaerobic organisms grow best at 

 37''C, the thermophilic fungi at 45-55°C, and the thermophilic bac- 

 teria and actinomjcetes at 50-65'^C. Diiferent temperatmes may, 

 therefore, fa\or the development of different groups of organisms 



100 

 90 

 80 



^ 40 



Carbohydrates-aerobic 



,,,g>;^S^:t!-S- 



^^ Carbohydrates-anaerobic ________ — 



405 



498 



Fig. 52. 

 the total 



205 



Days of decomposition 



Influence of aeration upon the decomposition of the whole alfalfa plant, 

 water-insoluble carbohydrates, and the lignins under aerobic and an- 

 aerobic conditions ( from Tenney and Waksman ) . 



and thus modify the nature and extent of the process of cellulose 

 decomposition. 



The oxygen supply also influences the nature of the cellulose- 

 decomposing microorganisms developing in a given substrate, as 

 well as the speed of their activities. If horse manure is to be stored 

 for some time before it is needed for the preparation of composts 

 for mushroom production, it is kept in a well-compacted state; 

 this creates anaerobic conditions and results in comparatively little 

 cellulose decomposition. When the manure is needed for the mush- 



