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