decompostion Flashcards
1
Q
why is compost used as a natural fertiliser
A
it is very rich in the minerals that plants need to grow
2
Q
optimal conditions for decomposition
A
- temperature
(DECOMPOSITION TAKES PLACE FASTER AT HIGHER TEMPERATURES) - the amount of water
(DECOMPOSING MICROORGANISMS WORK FASTER IF THE COMPOST IS MOIST as many of the chemical reactions in decay require water) - the amount of oxygen
(DECOMPOSERS CARRY OUT AEROBIC RESPIRATION THIS REQUIRES A GOOD SUPPLY OF OXYGEN)
3
Q
why are compost heaps warm
A
decomposers release energy when they respire aerobically
4
Q
why is it important compost doesn’t get too hot
A
the enzymes in the decomposers denature and then the decomposers can die
5
Q
what are the 2 benefits of mixing compost
A
use a gardening fork to mix compost
- allowing more oxygen to pass into the center
- breaks up large clumps and increases the surface area for decomposers to act on
6
Q
what do decomposing microorganisms do if there is no oxygen
A
carry out anaerobic decay
7
Q
what does anaerobic decay produce
A
a mixture of gases including methane (biogas)
8
Q
what is biogas used for
A
to provide energy for homes
9
Q
sources of biogas
A
- food waste
- animal manure
