decay

• compost is decomposed organic matter that is used as a natural fertiliser
• farmers and gardeners try to provide the ideal conditions for quick decay to make compost
• microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi are responsible for decomposition
• animals that feed on the remains of other animals are called detritus feeders
• rate of decay is affected by several factors: temperature ; water availability ; oxygen availability and number of decay organisms
• warmer temperatures make things decompose quicker because they increase the rate that enzymes involved in decomposition work at
• decay takes place faster in moist environments because organisms involved in decay need water to carry out biological processes
• many organisms need oxygen to respire.
• the more microorganisms and detritus feeders there are, the faster decomposition happens