Biomass and Composting

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(Highlighted terms are the answers)

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Biomass is organic material from plants and animals. When living organisms die,
bacteria and other decomposers break down the material in biomass breaking
larger molecules into smaller ones. The decay of biomass produces matter in the form
of small molecules and releases energy stored in the chemical compounds in the
biomass. This energy is released in the form of heat.

Compost is matter being decomposed and recycled as a fertilizer or soil supplement for
plants. A compost bin is designed to allow air to circulate through the compost to aid
in the breaking down of the biomass. Aerobic bacteria aid in the process by converting
some biomass into substances such as ammonia and ammonium compounds, which in
turn converts into nitrites and nitrates through nitrification.

Composting decreases some biomass that would, otherwise, be sent to landfills. At

the same time, it returns some of the energy and nutrients of the biomass to the soil.
It is an excellent way of recycling matter that returns some of the energy stored in
biomass to the soil for use, while at the same time reducing the amount of waste sent
to landfills. The nutrients produced during composting are used in gardens or
landscaping as a natural fertilizer.