What role do decomposers play in an ecosystem?

Decomposers are crucial in an ecosystem because they break down organic matter, such as dead plants and animals, returning essential nutrients to the soil. This process is vital for nutrient cycling, which ensures that nutrients remain available for producers, like plants, to utilize in their growth and development. By decomposing organic material, they not only help enrich the soil but also facilitate the overall balance of the ecosystem. Without decomposers, ecosystems would be overwhelmed with dead matter, and the nutrient cycle would be severely disrupted, impacting all other organisms within the food web.