Composting: Turn Organic Waste into Nutrient-Rich Soil

Question 1

Which statement best describes the wider environmental and economic advantages of composting?

Accepted Answer

Reduces greenhouse gas emissions and diverts waste from landfills.

Answer

Enriches soil fertility and improves plant growth.

Answer

Generates revenue through compost sales.

Question 2

When selecting organic waste for composting, which of the following should be avoided to ensure optimal conditions for decomposition?

Accepted Answer

Meat and poultry products

Answer

Fruit and vegetable peelings

Answer

Tea bags and coffee grounds

Answer

Grass clippings

Question 3

How does composting contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing carbon sequestration, thus combating climate change?

Accepted Answer

Composting prevents organic waste from decomposing in landfills, reducing methane production.

Accepted Answer

Compost enhances soil carbon storage, promoting carbon sequestration.

Answer

Compost releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, exacerbating climate change.

Answer

Composting has no impact on climate change mitigation.

Question 4

Which of the following materials can be added to a compost pile to increase carbon content?

Accepted Answer

Leaves

Answer

Grass clippings

Answer

Fruit and vegetable scraps

Answer

Animal manure

Question 5

Composting is an example of which of the following processes?

Accepted Answer

Aerobic decomposition

Answer

Anaerobic digestion

Answer

Incineration

Answer

Landfilling

Question 6

Which of the following is NOT a benefit of composting at home?

Accepted Answer

Attracting pests

Answer

Reducing landfill waste

Answer

Enhancing soil quality

Answer

Saving money on fertilizer

Question 7

Which of the following materials should be avoided when composting?

Accepted Answer

Meat scraps

Answer

Fruit peels

Answer

Coffee grounds

Answer

Dry leaves

Question 8

What is the primary purpose of turning a compost pile?

Accepted Answer

To aerate the pile and speed up decomposition

Answer

To prevent the compost from becoming too hot

Answer

To ensure even distribution of organic matter

Answer

To attract worms and other beneficial organisms

Question 9

Which of the following is a sign that a compost pile is ready to use?

Accepted Answer

It is dark, crumbly, and has an earthy smell

Answer

It has a strong, unpleasant odour

Answer

It is still hot to the touch

Answer

It contains visible animal pests

Question 10

Which of the following is NOT a recognized benefit of composting at home?

Accepted Answer

Attracting unwanted pests to the garden area

Answer

Reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills

Answer

Enhancing the health and fertility of the soil

Answer

Supporting the growth and vitality of plants

Question 11

Which of the following materials should NOT be added to a compost pile?

Accepted Answer

Plastic bags

Answer

Grass clippings

Answer

Fruit and vegetable peels

Answer

Meat scraps

Question 12

What is the primary role of adding brown materials to a compost pile?

Accepted Answer

To balance the carbon content

Answer

To supply nitrogen

Answer

To reduce moisture

Answer

To attract pests

Question 13

In the composting process, what is the significance of oxygen?

Accepted Answer

It aids in the decomposition of organic matter

Answer

It absorbs excess moisture

Answer

It prevents pests and diseases

Answer

It generates heat

Question 14

Which composting system is well-suited for home composting on a small scale?

Accepted Answer

Vermicomposting

Answer

Aerated pile composting

Answer

Windrow composting

Answer

In-vessel composting

Question 15

When adding a bulking agent to a compost pile, the primary aim is to:

Accepted Answer

Increase air circulation

Answer

Reduce moisture content

Answer

Accelerate the decomposition process

Question 16

The main purpose of composting is to:

Accepted Answer

Create a nutrient-rich soil improver

Answer

Reduce waste

Answer

Attract wildlife

Question 17

Which of the following materials is not suitable for composting?

Accepted Answer

Dairy products

Answer

Fruit and vegetable peelings

Answer

Tea bags

Answer

Garden cuttings

Question 18

The rate of decomposition in a compost pile is influenced by:

Accepted Answer

All of the following: Moisture, Temperature, and Oxygen

Answer

Temperature

Question 19

Turning a compost pile regularly is beneficial because it:

Accepted Answer

Speeds up the decomposition process

Answer

It prevents odours

Question 20

Vermicompost is commonly used as:

Accepted Answer

A top dressing or mulch

Answer

Cold compost

Question 21

In the process of composting, what term refers to the breakdown of organic matter by microorganisms?

Accepted Answer

Aerobic decomposition

Answer

Anaerobic decomposition

Answer

Nitrification

Answer

Denitrification

Question 22

When composting, which type of organic material should be excluded?

Accepted Answer

Plastic bottles

Answer

Fruit and vegetable peelings

Answer

Grass clippings

Question 23

Which composting method involves combining organic waste with soil?

Accepted Answer

Trench composting

Answer

Vermicomposting

Answer

Aerobic composting

Question 24

Which composting method is considered anaerobic?

Accepted Answer

Digestion

Answer

Hot composting

Answer

Cold composting

Question 25

Which organism plays a crucial role in the composting process?

Accepted Answer

Bacteria

Answer

Worms

Answer

Insects

Question 26

What is the main reason for composting in a home and garden setting?

Accepted Answer

To create a nutrient-rich soil enhancer

Answer

To discard waste responsibly

Answer

To decrease reliance on chemical fertilizers

Question 27

Which material is unsuitable for composting?

Accepted Answer

Glass

Answer

Fruit and vegetable peelings

Answer

Tea bags

Answer

Eggshells

Question 28

For a household with limited space and a preference for odorless decomposition, which composting method is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Anaerobic composting in a sealed container, minimizing odor

Answer

Aerobic composting in a large outdoor bin with ample ventilation

Answer

Vermicomposting using worms in a dedicated bin, requiring ample space

Answer

Hot composting in a pile that reaches high temperatures and requires aeration

Question 29

How does composting foster community engagement and environmental stewardship in local neighborhoods?

Accepted Answer

Encourages collaboration and raises awareness about environmental responsibility.

Answer

Reduces waste sent to landfills and supports recycling efforts.

Answer

Provides financial savings on waste disposal costs.

Answer

Protects water resources and mitigates greenhouse gas emissions.

Question 30

How does the variety of microorganisms in composting contribute to the process, and what specific roles do they play in breaking down organic matter?

Accepted Answer

Microorganisms decompose organic matter into nutrients for plants and maintain a balanced ecosystem in the compost.

Answer

Microorganisms are only found in aerobic composting and can be added to accelerate decomposition.

Answer

The diversity of microorganisms has no impact on composting.

Answer

Microorganisms only produce odors during composting.

Question 31

Which of these can NOT be composted?

Accepted Answer

Plastic bags

Answer

Fruit and vegetable peelings

Answer

Coffee grounds

Answer

Grass cuttings

Question 32

What are the tiny organisms that break down organic matter called?

Accepted Answer

Decomposers

Answer

Humifiers

Answer

Nutrifiers

Answer

Aerators

Question 33

Which of these is a sign that compost is ready to use?

Accepted Answer

It is dark brown, crumbly, and has an earthy smell

Answer

It is still recognizable as the original materials

Answer

It is wet and slimy

Answer

It has a strong, unpleasant odor

Question 34

Why is it a good idea to mix your compost?

Accepted Answer

To provide oxygen and even out moisture

Answer

To remove pests

Answer

To speed up the composting process

Answer

To control temperature

Question 35

Which type of composting involves using a special bin and turning it regularly?

Accepted Answer

Aerobic composting

Answer

Bokashi composting

Answer

Vermicomposting

Answer

Anaerobic composting

Question 36

Which of the following materials should NOT be added to a compost bin?

Accepted Answer

Meat scraps and dairy products

Answer

Fruit and vegetable peelings

Answer

Grass cuttings

Question 37

Which of the following is a significant advantage of composting?

Accepted Answer

Reduces landfill waste and enriches soil

Answer

Releases toxic gases

Answer

Attracts harmful pests

Answer

Increases soil salinity

Question 38

How can one most effectively maintain optimal moisture levels in a compost bin?

Accepted Answer

Add water as needed to achieve a damp but not soggy mixture

Answer

Keep the bin sealed at all times to retain moisture

Answer

Use only dry materials to avoid excess moisture

Question 39

Which of the following factors can significantly slow down the composting process?

Accepted Answer

Cold temperatures

Answer

Aerobic conditions

Answer

Adequate nitrogen content

Answer

Sufficient moisture levels

Question 40

What is the primary role of microorganisms in the composting process?

Accepted Answer

Break down organic matter into simpler compounds

Answer

Prevent pests from entering the compost bin

Answer

Add essential nutrients to the compost

Answer

Generate heat through their metabolic activities

Question 41

Name the three main stages of the composting process in order.

Accepted Answer

Mesophilic, thermophilic, curing

Answer

Decomposition, humification, mineralization

Answer

Leaching, aeration, mixing

Answer

Aerobic, anaerobic, curing

Question 42

Which of the following composting methods requires regular turning to aerate the pile?

Accepted Answer

Open compost pile

Answer

Tumbler composter

Answer

Vermicomposter

Answer

Bokashi bin

Question 43

What is the main purpose of turning compost?

Accepted Answer

To provide oxygen and mix the contents for faster decomposition

Answer

To attract worms and other beneficial organisms

Answer

To remove excess moisture

Answer

To prevent excessive heat buildup

Question 44

Which of the following materials is unsuitable for composting?

Accepted Answer

Plastic bottles

Answer

Vegetable peelings

Answer

Cardboard

Answer

Grass cuttings

Question 45

Composting requires a balanced mixture of:

Accepted Answer

Green and brown materials

Answer

Only brown materials

Answer

Metal materials

Answer

Only green materials

Question 46

Which of the following factors can affect the rate of composting?

Accepted Answer

Temperature and moisture

Answer

Only moisture

Answer

Only temperature

Question 47

What is the process called when microorganisms break down organic matter in composting?

Accepted Answer

Decomposition

Answer

Fermentation

Answer

Photosynthesis

Question 48

Compost can be used as a soil improver because it:

Accepted Answer

Provides nutrients and improves soil structure

Answer

Only provides nutrients

Answer

Only improves soil structure

Answer

None of these

Question 49

One potential disadvantage of composting is:

Accepted Answer

Attracting pests

Answer

High cost

Answer

Excessive nutrient leaching

Answer

Lack of availability

Question 50

What is the purpose of turning a compost heap?

Accepted Answer

To aerate the materials and speed up decomposition

Answer

To add new materials

Answer

To remove moisture

Question 51

Which of the following is NOT a benefit of composting at home?

Accepted Answer

Reduces waste disposal costs

Answer

Reduces carbon footprint

Answer

Improves garden soil quality

Answer

Creates nutrient-rich compost