The diagram shows the warm compost heap. A compost heap made of grass cuttings and vegetable peelings becomes noticeably warm in the middle. The heat is rel...
Question 1 Report
The diagram shows the warm compost heap. A compost heap made of grass cuttings and vegetable peelings becomes noticeably warm in the middle. The heat is released by
Answer Details
The warmth in the middle of a compost heap comes from the respiration of the microorganisms that are breaking down the grass cuttings and vegetable peelings; respiration is an energy-releasing process that gives out heat. Photosynthesis does not occur in the dark interior and does not release heat, nitrogen fixation does not warm the heap, and evaporation would cool the surface rather than heat the centre. Decomposers respiring as they feed is what makes a compost heap warm.
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