Decomposition Flashcards
What do gardeners use compost for
Natural fertilisater
Why do they use it as fertiliser
Rich in minerals needed for plant growth
What does it mean optimum conditions
What makes decomposition most rapis
Effect temperature
Take places better in warmer conditions
Why is it better in warmer conditions
Decomposers use enzymes to break down the plant material. These enzyme work faster in warm conditions.
Why are compost heaps usually quite warm
Decomposers release energy when they carry out aerobic respiration
Why is it bad if it gets too hot in the compost heap
The enzymes in the decomposers can nature and decomposers die
Effect water
Decomposing micro organisms work faster in moist conditions
Why is it better in moist
Many of the chemical reactions in decay require water
Affect oxygen
Oxygen is needed for aerobic respiration
Why do gardeners use a fork to mix compost
To allow oxygen to reach the compost heap and increase surface area for decomposes to work on
What happens if there’s no oxygen
The decomposing microorganisms carry out anaerobic decay
What does anaerobic decay release
Biogas
Mixture of gases including methane
Why is it bad if organic matter and decomposes end up in water
Bacteria decay organic matter by digestion. They respire using oxygen lower oxygen levels in the pond. Reduced energy supply to fish so they die.
