B17.4 Rates of decomposition

Question 1

What affects the conditions for decay?

Answer 1

Temperature
Moisture
Oxygen

Question 2

How does moisture affect decay?

Answer 2

Higher moisture means the microorganisms can digest food easier and prevent them from drying out

Question 3

How does oxygen affect decay?

Answer 3

Most decomposers respire aerobically - need oxygen to break down food and transfer energy

Question 4

What do gardeners and farmers do?

Answer 4

Provide optimum conditions such as 70 degrees for the rapid decay waste organic matter - compost produced is used as a natural fertiliser

Question 5

What does anaerobic decay provide?

Answer 5

Methane and gas which can be used to produce methane gas as a fuel

Question 6

What are 2 organisms involved in decay?

Answer 6

Detritivores

Decomposers

Question 7

How can turning over the contents of a compost bin increase rate of decompositon?

Answer 7

Many microorganisms involved in decomposition need oxygen for aerobic respiration.
Turning over compost bin contents increases air in mixture.
Turning compost bin contents increases rate of decomposition as microorganisms have plenty of oxygen for aerobic respiration.