Decay and composting

Mark three fields involved with the use of microorganisms

• sport

• industry

• agriculture

• medicine

Moisture helps the compost pile to decompose

• slower
• faster

Composting occurs

• within hours
• within a few days
• over an extended period of time
• only when you turn the pile

The composting pile must

• stay cool
• get HOT
• stay at a moderate temperature
• stay moist and cold

Which organism help to breakdown or decompose waste and dead organisms?

• The organisms and waste breakdown on their own.
• Only fungi
• Only bacteria
• Fungi, bacteria and other decoposers such as worms and beetles.

What is the role of decomposition in the environment?

• Decomposition isn't really that important.  It simply makes waste and dead organisms smaller so they don't take up as much room.
• When organisms are decomposed, the nutrients such as carbon and nitrogen are returned to the soil.
• Composition just makes new soil.
• When organisms decompose they return the food they ate to the environment.

The graph shows temperatures in a composting bin.
 
During which days is the most composting happening? 

• May 8 to May 9
• May 9 to May 15
• May 30 to June 2
• June 2 to June 6

What can not be composted

• meat scraps

• apple peels

• grass clippings

• banana peels

Why is it important to add soil to your compost pile?

• to hide the trash

• to break down the compost

• to add extra weight

• to disguise the garbage

After adding soil, what is important to do?

• let sit in the hot sun with no water

• lightly water the compost pile

• heavily water the compost pile

• cover up and let it compost