Decay

• What is compost?

  Decomposed organic material used as fertiliser
• Who is responsible for decay?

  Microorganisms (bacteria and fungi) and detritus feeders
• How does temperature affect decay?

  Must be warm but not too hot as decomposition will slow down due to destroyed enzymes.
• How does water availability affect decay?

  Moister environments = more decay
• How does oxygen availability affect decay?

  Oxygen needed to respire however anaerobic decay doesn't need oxygen
• How does the number of decay organisms affect decay?

  More microorganisms = more decay