B17.4 Rates Of Decomposition Flashcards
What are the conditions needed for decay or decomposition ?
Moisture, oxygen and warm temperature
What do some gardeners do ?
Create compost- decomposed organic mater
How do gardeners create compost ?
Allowing their waste to be decomposed in a container where the conditions are suitable
It is a very effective natural fertiliser
Why is compost an effective natural fertilizer ?
Rich in the minerals needed for plant growth
Why are warm temperatures needed for decomposition ?
Why not too hot
Decomposes use natural enzymes to break down the plant material and these enzymes work faster in warm conditions
If too hot enzymes denature so the decomposers can die
Why is moisture needed ?
Decomposes work faster as moisture is needed in chemical reactions as they require water
Why is the amount of oxygen important in decay/ decomposition ?
They carry out aerobic respiration and this requires a lot of oxygen
How do gardeners ensure the compost received enough oxygen ?
Putting holes in the compost bin to allow for more oxygen
Mixing the compost so oxygen is evenly spread, also breaks up large clumps and increases surface area
What do decomposers do if there is no oxygen ?
They carry out anaerobic decay
What do decompoers release during anaerobic respiration ?
Methane gas which it highly flammable so it can be used as a fuel
What do we call the products released by decomposers in anerobic decay ?
Bio fuel/ Bio gas
What do biogas generators often use as there source ?
Waste material and microorganisms
In a digestion tank
Produces biogas bubbles which are released
