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