Composting Basics
The process of breaking down organic materials into nutrient-rich soil.
What is composting?
Worms, fungi, pill bugs, etc.
What is a decomposer?
Name one food item you can put in compost.
Fruit or vegetable scraps.
What could be wrong if your compost smells bad?
Too much moisture or too many greens (not enough browns).
How does composting help the environment?
It reduces waste and creates nutrient-rich soil.
What are the two types of materials needed for a balanced compost pile?
Greens (nitrogen-rich) and browns (carbon-rich)
How do decomposers help turn waste into soil?
They break down food and plant matter into nutrients that enrich the soil.
Name two non-food items that can go in compost.
Shredded newspaper and dry leaves.
What happens if a compost pile is too dry?
Decomposers slow down, and the composting process stops.
How does composting reduce landfill waste?
It keeps food scraps and yard waste out of landfills.
Why does compost need oxygen?
Oxygen helps decomposers break down materials faster and prevents bad smells.
Why do decomposers need water in a compost pile?
Water helps bacteria and other decomposers survive and continue breaking down materials.
Why can’t plastic or glass be composted?
They do not break down naturally like organic materials.
How can you fix a compost pile that is too wet?
Add more dry browns (like leaves or cardboard) and turn the pile to add air.
What gas is released when food scraps rot in landfills?
Methane, a greenhouse gas.
What would happen to the planet if decomposers didn’t exist?
Dead plants and animals would pile up, soil would lose nutrients, and ecosystems would collapse because nutrients wouldn’t be recycled.