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How does a compost pile work?

Updated: 9/11/2023
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14y ago

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its a mix of organic molecules which slowly break down releasing nutrients such a nitrogen of phosphorus into the soil which can then be used by plants and other organisms. it also has a beneficiel effect on soil structure enabling it to hold more water while not getting clogged up with too much water, hold more nutrients and creates a mircoclimate which builds up soil flora and founa
Composting relies on natures natural process of decomposing organic materials. This included chemical processes carried out by microorganisms that thrive under ideal conditions. They can work most efficiently when the correct moisture level is present and given enough oxygen.

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Q: How does a compost pile work?
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Where does the energy in a compost pile come from?

Carbon is the source of energy in a compost pile. Compost piles need to have brown and green materials, which are respectively carbon- and nitrogen-rich. Green materials provide the pile's decomposition-friendly micro-organisms with proteins.


Is a decaying compost pile an example of physical change?

No, a decaying compost pile is not an example of a physical change. The process of composting results in a different physical appearance or state -- which is physical change -- but it is not reversible and necessitates a change in structure -- which is chemical change.


How does a compost bin work?

the compost turns into monkeys


How much water do you put in the compost pile?

You need to put in just enough water so that the compost pile has the consistency of a wrung out sponge. The moisture level needs to favor the growth and working of beneficial, decomposer microorganisms. Too moist a pile encourages rampant fungal problems, and too dry won't allow the compostable materials to break down properly.


What type of heat energy does a compost pile release?

Chemical, microbial, physical, and solar sources are behind the type of heat energy which a compost pile releases. A compost pile's carbon- and nitrogen-rich recyclables interact with environmental oxygen and sunlight. Potential or stored energy is released by the temperature-coded feedings of macro- and micro-organisms within the pile, with chemical decomposition effected by actinomycetes and aerobic bacteria and fungi and physical by ants, beetles, centipedes, earthworms, flatworms, flies, millipedes, nematodes, rotifers, slugs, snails, sowbugs, spiders, and springtails.

Related questions

What is the difference between compost pile and compost pit?

A compost pile is compost in a pile or heap. a compost pit is compost in a pit or hole in the ground.


What is the difference between a compost heap and a compost pit?

A compost heap is a pile of composting material that is in a pile on the ground. A compost pit is dug into the ground and the composting material is placed in it.


How should you reduce pollution?

Ride or walk to and from work. Start a compost pile.


What is the method of recycling biodegradable waste?

compost pile


Where can someone find out how to build a compost pile?

Someone can find out how to build a compost pile on the website Ehow. Also one can try the websites Ask, Yahoo Answers, and wiki.answers to see how to build a compost pile.


What happens if you do not flip your compost pile?

If you do not flip you compost pile, most of them will not fully work throughout the pile. Compost piles are part organic foods and plant parts. Air allows bacteria to break down, heat up and somewhat purify the composting material, as long as the layers are not flipped more than once weekly.


Why compost produce heat?

benefit of the compost pile generating heat


Why are fertilizer and limestone added to a compost pile?

Adding nutrients and altering the pH are reasons for adding fertilizer and limestone to a compost pile. But if proper procedure is being followed under appropriate conditions, the compost pile needs no such supplements.


How do you compost cardboard?

tear the cardboard into small pieces and add it to your compost pile.


How does heat affect a compost pile?

Heat and Moisture break down the compost.


Can you add sugar to the compost pile?

Yes, you can add sugar to compost pile as long as you sprinkle it around, so it does not all settle at the bottom.


Where does the energy in a compost pile come from?

Carbon is the source of energy in a compost pile. Compost piles need to have brown and green materials, which are respectively carbon- and nitrogen-rich. Green materials provide the pile's decomposition-friendly micro-organisms with proteins.