How to build a compost system
  • 1. What is the ideal carbon-to-nitrogen ratio for a compost pile?
A) 30:1
B) 10:1
C) 50:1
D) 1:1
  • 2. What are 'browns' in composting?
A) Food scraps
B) Water sources
C) Carbon-rich materials
D) Nitrogen-rich materials
  • 3. What are 'greens' in composting?
A) Sawdust
B) Nitrogen-rich materials
C) Carbon-rich materials
D) Paper products
  • 4. Why is aeration important for composting?
A) Keeps the pile dry
B) Reduces the pile size
C) Provides oxygen for microbes
D) Attracts beneficial insects
  • 5. What is the ideal moisture content for a compost pile?
A) Like a wrung-out sponge
B) Barely damp
C) Completely dry
D) Soaking wet
  • 6. What is a benefit of using a compost tumbler?
A) Attracts more pests
B) Requires more space
C) Requires no turning
D) Faster decomposition
  • 7. What should you NOT put in a compost pile?
A) Vegetable peels
B) Coffee grounds
C) Meat scraps
D) Grass clippings
  • 8. What does turning the compost pile do?
A) Reduces moisture
B) Decreases temperature
C) Eliminates microbes
D) Improves aeration
  • 9. What is the 'hot composting' method?
A) High temperatures for faster decomposition
B) Composting without turning
C) Composting only with 'greens'
D) Composting in cold weather
  • 10. What is a sign that your compost pile is too dry?
A) Excessive heat
B) Foul odor
C) Slow decomposition
D) Attracting flies
  • 11. What is a sign that your compost pile is too wet?
A) Slow decomposition
B) Foul odor
C) White mold
D) High temperatures
  • 12. What can be added to balance a compost pile with too many 'greens'?
A) Grass clippings
B) Shredded paper
C) Vegetable scraps
D) Coffee grounds
  • 13. What can be added to balance a compost pile with too many 'browns'?
A) Sawdust
B) Shredded paper
C) Dried leaves
D) Grass clippings
  • 14. What is the purpose of a compost thermometer?
A) Determine the pH
B) Identify the microbes present
C) Monitor the pile's temperature
D) Measure moisture levels
  • 15. What is 'black gold' referring to in composting?
A) Finished compost
B) Nitrogen-rich materials
C) Worm castings
D) Carbon-rich materials
  • 16. How can finished compost benefit your garden?
A) Improves soil structure
B) Increases soil pH drastically
C) Dries out the soil
D) Attracts garden pests
  • 17. What does composting help reduce?
A) Soil erosion
B) Air pollution
C) Water usage
D) Landfill waste
  • 18. Why should you avoid composting diseased plants?
A) Will make the compost too acidic
B) Will slow down decomposition
C) Attracts rodents
D) May spread the disease
  • 19. What is vermicomposting?
A) Composting with high heat
B) Composting with worms
C) Composting only with vegetables
D) Composting in a tumbler
  • 20. What type of worms are typically used in vermicomposting?
A) Mealworms
B) Nightcrawlers
C) Red wigglers
D) Earthworms
  • 21. What is the ideal temperature range for hot composting?
A) 180-200°F (82-93°C)
B) 60-80°F (16-27°C)
C) 32-50°F (0-10°C)
D) 130-160°F (54-71°C)
  • 22. What is the 'lasagna gardening' or 'sheet composting' method?
A) Layering brown and green materials directly on the soil.
B) Composting in a sealed container.
C) Composting using only kitchen scraps.
D) Composting in a trench.
  • 23. What is a potential benefit of using wood ash in compost?
A) Lowers the pH
B) Adds nitrogen
C) Speeds up decomposition significantly
D) Adds potassium
  • 24. What type of container is NOT suitable for composting?
A) Worm bin
B) Open bin
C) Tumbler
D) Airtight container
  • 25. How often should you turn a compost pile using the hot composting method?
A) Every 2-3 days
B) Once a month
C) Never
D) Once a week
  • 26. What is the importance of particle size in composting materials?
A) Smaller particles decompose faster
B) Particle size doesn't affect decomposition
C) Larger particles decompose faster
D) Only affects moisture retention
  • 27. What is the approximate time it takes to produce compost using the hot composting method?
A) 6-12 months
B) 1-2 weeks
C) Over a year
D) 1-3 months
  • 28. What is leachate in composting?
A) The odor produced by compost
B) The gases released during decomposition
C) The solid finished compost
D) Liquid that drains from the compost pile
  • 29. What should you do if your compost pile smells like ammonia?
A) Add more 'greens'
B) Add more 'browns'
C) Stop turning the pile
D) Add more water
  • 30. Why is it important to bury food scraps deep within the compost pile?
A) To deter pests
B) To increase decomposition speed
C) To prevent the pile from getting too hot
D) To improve aeration
Created with That Quiz — a math test site for students of all grade levels.