answersLogoWhite

0


Best Answer

A compost heap is basically a perfect place for the bacteria and fungi that break down plants. The more perfect the environment is for these living organisms the faster it will break down and the less nutrients will be lost from the resulting compost. These organisms want nitrogen, carbon, moisture, and air. They provide heat as they break down the materials, if it's too cold you will need a lot of material.

User Avatar

Wiki User

9y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar
More answers
User Avatar

Wiki User

7y ago

Accurate alternation of brown- and green-colored compostables, correct ratios of carbon- and nitrogen-rich recyclables, and proper presence of air, heat, macro- and micro-organisms, and moisture are the factors that make compost heaps work. Compost heaps have to be located so that excess fluids drain and so that traffic, weather and wildlife pose no interference. Ratios of 25:1 to 30:1 must be maintained for brown-colored, carbon-rich and green-colored, nitrogen-rich kitchen leftovers and yard debris.

This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: What makes a compost heap work?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Related questions

Why does a compost heap feel hot in the middle?

A compost heap is hot in the middle because this is where the microbes are starting to break down the material in the compost heap and as part of their process they generate heat.


Why is there heat inside a compost heap?

A compost heap gets hotter when bacteria and other organisms multiply inside the heap, breaking down the rough matter into humus. There are both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, which work at different times in the heap depending on how much air is present in the mix.


Why does a compost heap have slits at the bottom?

A compost heap has slits at the bottom so that oxygen can circulate through the dirt.


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.


What things are supposed to go in a compost heap?

the things that go in a compost heap are a variety of things, don't put food in, or moist things, use brown items such as soil, manure and green items such as vegetable waste. also put in lime, because the alkali from the lime will counter the acid which is made from decomposing the items of the compost heap. make sure to put extra soil in aswell because that is where the organisms are that make the compost heap work. :)


Why do you need gaps in the side of the frame of the compost heap?

A compost heap is either anearobic or aerobic. Anaerobic bacteria are usually quite smelly, so to encourage aerobic bacteria, the compost heap supports are designed to allow air to get at as much as possible of the compost, by having gaps between them.


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 microorganism called in compost heap?

bacteria


What is the different between compose pit and compose heap?

A compost pit is composting materials put into a pit dug in the ground. A compost heap is when composting materials are placed in a heap on the surface of the ground.


What should you do if potatoes sprout in the compost heap?

You either turn them over so they compost or you let them grow and use them. It is better to remove potatoes from your compost heap turning them over will make no difference.


How can you use a compost heap in your school?

School gardens and science experiments are ways in which a school can use a compost heap. A compost heap functions as a repository for kitchen scraps and yard debris. It may lend itself therefore to community gardens and science class experiments.


Can rabbit poo go on the compost heap?

Absolutely. ^_^ Rabbit droppings make GREAT compost!