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Aerobic Decomposition
- Breakdown of organic matter that occurs in the presence of free
oxygen. Generally the result of activity of aerobic bacteria and is
odorless.
Anaerobic Decomposition
- Breakdown of organic matter that occurs in the absence of free
oxygen. Generally the result of activity of anaerobic bacteria and
produces methane, hydrogen sulfide and other unpleasant smelling
gases.
Biodegradable
- Capable of being broken down by micro-organisms into simple,
stable compounds such as carbon dioxide and water. Most organic
wastes are biodegradable.
Carbon/Nitrogen
aka C/N Ratio
- The proportion of carbon containing materials (brown) to nitrogen
containing matter (green). For optimum micro-organism activity (and
composting rate) the ratio should be about 25:1.
Compost
- A dark, crumbly, earth-smelling form of organic matter resulting
from the activity of organisms as they process organic matter.
"You can tell it is compost
when you can't
tell what it was before it was composted."
Composting
- A managed, but natural process for transforming organic matter
into soil-building humus.
Humus
- The relatively stable end product of composting. It is a beneficial
additive to most soils to encourage plant growth.
Inorganic
- Matter that is not of plant or animal origin. Most inorganic
compounds do not contain carbon and are of mineral origin.
Macro - organisms
- Living organisms such as worms, sow bugs, millepedes, slugs,
beetles, etc. that are large enough to be seen by the unaided eye.
These organisms help the composting process by digesting organic
compounds into waste products and by aerating the pile.
Micro-organisms
- Living organisms such as bacteria or fungi that are too small to
be seen by the unaided eye. To grow and multiply, these organisms
need: (1) an energy source - carbon; (2) a protein source -
nitrogen; (3) moisture; and (4) oxygen.
Mulch - Material (natural or synthetic) placed over the soil to conserve
moisture, reduce weeds, moderate soil temperatures and other
purposes. Common landscape mulches include leaves, compost, geotextiles, grass clippings, pine needles, shredded bark, wood
chips and stones.
Nitrogen Cycle
- The continuous cycle in which atmospheric nitrogen is assimilated
and metabolized by plants and bacteria and returned to the
atmosphere through organic decomposition.
Organic Matter
- Material derived from living organisms. Chemical compounds
containing carbon.
Yard Waste
- Materials generated by yard maintenance activities including
leaves, grass clippings, weeds, trimmings, sticks, old plants,
vegetables, etc. |
