EVERYDAY SCIENCE

Detailed explanation-1: -Composting is a microbial process that converts plant materials such as grass clippings and leaves to a more usable organic soil amendment or mulch.

Detailed explanation-2: -Decomposition is a complex process. Organic matter is broken down into carbon dioxide and the mineral forms of nutrients like nitrogen. It is also converted into fungi and bacteria through these organisms feeding on the organic material and reproducing.

Detailed explanation-3: -Decomposition is the first stage in the recycling of nutrients that have been used by an organism (plant or animal) to build its body. It is the process whereby the dead tissues break down and are converted into simpler organic forms. These are the food source for many of the species at the base of ecosystems.

Detailed explanation-4: -Decomposers feed on dead things: dead plant materials such as leaf litter and wood, animal carcasses, and feces. They perform a valuable service as Earth’s cleanup crew. Without decomposers, dead leaves, dead insects, and dead animals would pile up everywhere. Imagine what the world would look like!

Detailed explanation-5: -Decomposition is the natural breakdown of organic materials. People have been able to harness this natural process of decomposition for their own benefits, for centuries, and this practice has been known as composting.