What is the role of decomposers in an ecosystem?

Decomposers play a critical role in ecosystems by breaking down dead organic material and recycling nutrients back into the environment. This process is vital for maintaining the balance of ecosystems, as it ensures that nutrients stored in dead organisms are returned to the soil, making them available for primary producers like plants. By decomposing organic matter, decomposers facilitate the flow of energy and the cycling of nutrients, which is essential for the health of the entire ecosystem. This function promotes soil fertility and supports the growth of new life, thus fostering a continuous cycle of growth, death, and regeneration within the ecosystem.