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15 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
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What is the definition of composting?
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-biological reduction of organic wastes to humans
-biological decomposition of organic matter under controlled aerobic conditions. |
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What is the difference between fermentation and compost?
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-compost is aerobic whereas fermentation is anaerobic decomposition
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Why should people compost?
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-saves money (cheaper than peat moss)
-increase tilth (soil structure, aeration, fertility) -adds macro and micro nutrients -increases CEC and acts as a pH buffer -provides energy source for soil microbes and earthworms -when used as mulch, can keep down weeds |
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-What should the proper temperature be of compost?
-What is the "danger" temperature? |
-70-140 degrees Farenheit
-flip if temp reaches 150 degrees |
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What is the proper moisture content of compost?
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50% (should feel like a wrung-out sponge
*use tarp if rainy to prevent excess moisture |
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What are factors affecting composting?
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-temperature
-moisture -nutrients (C:N ratio) -time |
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How would you add more C to compost?
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-add straw, hay, woody materials, dried corn stalks, paper wastes, wood chips
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How would you add more N to compost?
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-add manures, green material (grass clippings), food wastes, N fertilizer
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What is the proper C:N ratio of compost?
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-25:1
(can range from 20:1-40:1) |
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What is the time length for composting to occur?
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-2 weeks to 2 years depending on factors
*if in landfill, may never decompose due to lack of oxygen! |
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What are some ways to speed composting?
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-chop.shred materials
-mix equal amounts of brown and green materials -turn pile regularly -keep moist but not wet |
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What are different types of composting?
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-3x3x3' to 5x5x5' bins
-multiple "turning bins"/tumblers -piles (contained w/wo chicken wire) -garbage can with holes -plastic bins -snow fencing/cinder block/wood pallets |
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What are 10 things that should NOT go into a compost pile?
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-meat
-unground bones -diseased plants -grease/fat/oil -used kitty litter -colored newspaper/circulars -treated wood or sawdust -dairy products -weeds/seeds -human/dog/cat waste |
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How do you take a soil sample?
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-chose representative area
-take 10 core samples and mix together -dig 4-6" for turf, 6-10" for tilled veg. crops -store in refrig. if needed (do NOT leave in hot car/location) -send soil in approved bag mailer |
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How do you take your own soil pH?
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-use 2 parts soil, 1 part distilled water
-mix well -use litmus paper |
