In an investigation into biogeochemical cycles, a student measured the rate of decomposition of a sample of beech leaf litter (Fagus sylvatica) in a compost bin.
The initial dry mass of the leaf litter was 138.2 g.
After 56 days56\text{ days}56 days, the dry mass of the remaining beech leaf litter was 94.7 g.
Calculate the rate of decomposition of the beech leaf litter.
Give your answer to three significant figures and include appropriate units.
