Download Factors affecting Ecosystems

Factors affecting Ecosystems
What do all of the following items have in
common?
Lion, Grass, Alligator, Shrub, Tree, Bacteria
-They are all living things
Biotic Factors
Biotic factors- all living things in an ecosystem.
Plants, animals, microorganisms (bacteria)
Abiotic Factors
Abiotic factors- all non-living things that affect
an ecosystem.
Water, atmosphere, temperature, rocks, soil,
nutrients
How can abiotic factors affect an
ecosystem?
Write a paragraph (at least 4 complete
sentences) in your journal.
Composting
Composting, often described as nature’s way of recycling, is the biological process
of decomposing (breaking up) of organic waste such as food waste, manure,
leaves, grass trimmings, paper, worms, and coffee grounds, etc., into an extremely
useful humus-like substance by various microorganisms including bacteria, fungi
and actinomycetes in the presence of oxygen.
Today, the use of composting to turn organic wastes into a valuable
resource is expanding rapidly in many countries, as landfill space becomes
scarce and expensive, and as people become more aware of the impact
they have on the environment.
Carbon rich material is known as ‘brown’ stuff.
Nitrogen rich material is known as ‘green’ stuff.
There needs to be a good balance of these two
materials to form good quality compost. Too much
of either one will result in poor compost.
A healthy compost contains a balance of
one-quarter green stuff such as: vegetable
scraps, coffee grounds, grass clippings or
manure—to three-quarters brown stuff such as:
leaves, straw, shredded paper, coir fiber, wood
pellets, or sawdust. In other words, ¼ green
matter to ¾ brown matter.
STOP…..DON’T COMPOST THIS
Do not put these items in a compost bin
because they do not break down: metal, plastic,
packing foam, or chemicals found in the home.
RECYCLE them in a RECYCLING BIN instead!!!
ALSO….NO MEAT, NO DAIRY, NO BONES,
GRAVY, FISH, or CHEESE…..they cause an
awful smell that attracts animals!!!
During composting microorganisms from the soil eat the
organic (carbon-containing) decaying waste and break
it down into its simplest parts. This produces fiber-rich,
carbon-containing humus with other nutrients like
nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.
Through the respiration process, the micro-organisms
give off carbon dioxide and heat. The more heat
generated, the faster the decomposition occurs.
During the composting cycle, the contents need to be
mixed approximately weekly.
Composting & Decomposition
Compost is a soil conditioner,
mulch and fertilizer all
wrapped into one. It benefits
the environment as a natural
fertilizer for gardening and
farming.
Composting
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