Nature's recyclers
Microbes turn waste into manure.
Peels in the soil
Peels of fruits and vegetables left in soil turn into a dark-coloured material called manure. Fallen leaves and dead animals also disappear after some time.
What turns the peels into manure?
What this lesson covers
The idea
Microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi break down complex substances in plant waste, dead animals and animal wastes into simpler, nutrient-rich substances that return to the soil; manure forms this way at optimal temperature and moisture.
Peels in the soil
Peels of fruits and vegetables left in soil turn into a dark-coloured material called manure. Fallen leaves and dead animals also disappear after some time.
What turns the peels into manure?
- Microorganisms in the soil
- The peels just dry up
- Water alone
A compost pit
Choose the moisture and the temperature. Then wait and watch the leaves and peels.
Recycling by microbes
Bacteria and fungi break down complex substances in plant waste, dead animals and animal wastes into simpler, nutrient-rich substances that return to the soil. This is decomposition. Manure forms at the right temperature and moisture.
- Step | What happens
- Goes in | Fallen leaves, plant waste, dead animals and animal dung
- Microbes act | Bacteria and fungi break down the complex substances
- Comes out | Simpler, nutrient-rich substances that return to the soil
Notes
Bacteria and fungi decompose plant waste, dead animals and animal wastes into simpler, nutrient-rich substances that return to the soil. Manure forms at the right temperature and moisture.
Check yourself
What is the process called in which microorganisms break down complex substances into simpler ones?
Why do gardeners put dry leaves and plant waste into pits?
When does manure form well?
- Decomposition — correct. Yes. Microbes decompose waste into nutrient-rich substances.
- Photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is how plants and microalgae make food using sunlight.
- Magnification. Magnification is what a microscope does.
- To make natural manure — correct. Yes. Microorganisms break the waste down into nutrient-rich manure.
- To hide the waste. They want the microbes to turn it into something useful: manure.
- To grow more microbes for food. The aim is manure for the soil.
- At the right temperature and moisture — correct. Yes. Manure formation occurs at optimal temperature and appropriate moisture level.
- Whatever the conditions are. The microbes need the right temperature and moisture to do the job well.