Science
Which of the following materials will not decompose in your compost pile? (a) soda bottle (b) egg shell (c) coffee filter
A
These creatures are often seen in compost bins, and helps break down materials
What are worms
The natural process of recycling organic matter into a valuable fertilizer that can enrich soil and plants.
What is composting
Composting does this to overall soil health
What is Improves
This food type cannot be composted (In average backyard composts) and also accounts for a majority of the average American's greenhouse gas emissions
What is meat
What type of pollutant does composting decrease?
What are greenhouse gases
Compost is often refered to as this due to its value as fertilizer and other soil amendmendts
What is "Black Gold"
The process of organic matter being broken down into simpler materials.
What is decomposition
This is the percentage of landfill that consists of food scraps and grass clippings.
20-30%
Finished compost is most widely used for
Gardening/Landscaping
This is the optimum temperature for a compost bin. (Hint: This is a range in Celsius)
What is 50-70 degrees Celsius?
Composting has been around for this long (+or- 1000 years)
12,000! since the Neolithic times!
capable of being decomposed by bacteria or other living organisms
What is Biodegradable
If we have a compost bin that is not receiving enough oxygen and anaerobic bacteria have taken over, we will know it due to this. (Hint: it is a sense)
What is a foul or bad smell?
How damp should your compost be
a. As wet as possible
b. Not as wet as possible, but still heavily watered
c. Damp
d. Fully Dry
C
What is the difference between aerobic and anaerobic decomposers
Aerobic decomposers use oxygen and anaerobic decomposers do not use oxygen. Anaerobic decomposition can also create an offensive smell; is slower; and makes more plant toxins
Layering materials like cardboard, newspaper, and mulch right on to a garden bed is called this kind of composting. (Hint: the name is food related)
What is lasagna composting
In clay soils compost added tiny holes and passageways that allow it to drain more quickly so that plants do not stay waterlogged. The term given to the tiny holes and passageways is __________________.
What is porosity
How much are we composting in the US? (+or- 2%)
According to the EPA 5% of wasted food is composted (off the 66.2 million tons of wasted food generated)
This can be done to help regulate the temperature of the compost bin or add oxygen if necessary.
What is turn or "Fluff Up" the compost
These elements are produced naturally by the feeding of microorganisms. (2/3) Hint: These are also the basis for most fertilizers
What are nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus?
Which country is the best at composting and how much do they compost?
Germany, 65% of food waste
organisms (mostly invertebrates such as earthworms, millipedes, woodlice, etc.) that ingest particles of dead organic matter and break them down through digestion
What is a detrivore?
How many states have laws to divert food waste from landfills?
12 :(
Compost is made from a balanced mix of _____(nitrogen-rich) and _____(carbon-rich) materials, which together create nutrient-rich soil for gardening.
Green, Brown