What role do decomposers play in an ecosystem?

Decomposers play a vital role in ecosystems by breaking down organic matter, such as dead plants and animals, as well as waste products. This breakdown process enables the recycling of nutrients, returning essential elements like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium back into the soil. These nutrients are crucial for plant growth, which in turn supports the entire food web. By facilitating this nutrient cycling, decomposers help maintain soil fertility and promote ecosystem health and sustainability. Without decomposers, ecosystems would be overwhelmed with organic waste, and the availability of nutrients would significantly diminish, adversely affecting all living organisms dependent on those nutrients.