answersLogoWhite

0


Best Answer

Alternating layers of properly aerated and moistened carbon- and nitrogen-rich recyclables is the need that microbes have to build compost heaps. Dark-colored, fresh-smelling, nutrient-rich organic matter called compost or humus results from the consumption and excretion of dead, decaying, dying or living animal and plant matter by macro- and micro-organisms. The alternating brown- and green-colored layers will have to be turned at least once a week and supplementally watered to the consistency of a wrung-out sponge to prevent mildew, mold or wildfire and to support the temperature levels that befit proper composting.

User Avatar

Wiki User

7y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: What do microbes need to build compost heaps?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Related questions

Why is compost good for plants?

Compost provides a lot of benefits. It adds nutrients and beneficial microbes, and improves plant growth. It also helps reduce the need to water your plants because it helps the soil to retain water.


What food does microbes need to survive?

Microbes need a food to survive


What materials or tools do you need to compost?

Carbon- and nitrogen-rich recyclables, hoses, rakes, shovels and watering cans are materials and tools that are needed to compost. There needs to be a location accessible to the compost manager and away from direct sunlight, traffic, wildlife and wind. It may take the shape of a counter container in the case of vermicomposting, or composting with worms, or of bins, heaps, piles or pits in the case of outdoor composting.


How often should you turn your compost heap?

Once a week is the frequency with which compost heaps need to be turned. The micro-organisms that break down carbon- and nitrogen-rich recyclables into dark-colored, fresh-smelling, nutrient-rich compost need air to survive and for proper temperature levels to be maintained. The turning of the layers works best when drier parts are moistened to the consistency of a wrung-out sponge and moved to the center weekly, beginning seven to 14 days after the composting process is begun.


What do microbes need?

Warmth


What percent of new compost should be old compost?

There is no need to mix old and new compost. Old compost ,if ready, should be used on its own. New material will take time to rot down to compost.


Do you want to drown your compost in water?

Never, composting is an aerobic process, meaning the bacteria responsible for it need air, or rather oxygen. These bacteria will also generate lots of heat, as high as 70 °C / 158 °F for horse manure, which also help sterilizing the compost and keeping the "bad" bacteria away. The compost heap needs to stay moist though, so some light watering will benefit it in summer, but the best is to cover the heap with a "mulch" of straw, grass trimmings, leaves, cardboard, whatever is available and biodegradable and lets the air through. This will ensure that the compost stays moist inside. If you are using a composting bin, watering is rarely needed. Most professionals put compost heaps on a grid, so that the large heaps that cannot be ventilated from the sides, can get air from the bottom. Mixing the compost heap inside out regularly is as important than watering. Toxic anaerobic bacteria must be avoided, so keep your compost well aerated.


How do you make compost tea?

Compost Tea is made from extracting some of the beneficial nutrients and microbes from compost into liquid form so that it is easy to apply to plants and allows for these nutrients and microbes to be absorbed by plants and soil easily.


Why do microbes need a host?

To reproduce


What things do microbe need to grow in a compost heap?

Heat, light, moisture, and ventilation are things which microbes need to grow in a compost heap. They operate to break down carbon- and nitrogen-rich recyclables within a year under proper conditions and levels of aeration, moisture, light, and temperature. They require protection against predators so that is another reason why components, conditions, and procedures must be carried out to the letter.


How does dehydration prevent microbes from growing in food?

by taking away the water that microbes need to survive


What does a compost bin look like?

A compost bin is usually square and come in many sizes, but it should have a panel or door at the bottom to access the the compost that is oldest. Since you fill from the top. It can take 3 months or more for the first compost to start degrading.