BCEMC Master Composter Training: Chapter 1 Workbook

JavaScript isn't enabled in your browser, so this file can't be opened. Enable and reload.

Please contact webmaster@nmcomposters.org if you have any questions or problems with this form.

After you fill out the form and submit it, you will receive a copy at the email address you provide below. The BCEMC webmaster will also receive a copy which she will forward to your mentor.

You do not have to sign into Google to use this form if you do not wish to do so. If you do sign into Google, your progress will be saved and you can take a break and come back to the form at a later time.

Email *

Today's Date *

YYYY

Your name: *

Name of your mentor: *

SECTION 1: Fill in the Blank

The software we are using to create this form does not provide good ways to do fill-in-the-blank. Please just list your answers in the blank below the question.

1. Composting is a method of solid waste management, whereby the ___________________ of the solid waste stream are ______________________ under __________________ to produce a __________________________.

2. __________ is so valuable a resource that we often refer to it as “black gold.”

3. Sir Albert Howard’s Law of Return can be stated as:

4. Home composting involves _____________, ______________, and______________ organic material so it may biologically decompose to a nutrient-rich soil amendment.

5. List the four components of the decomposition formula that result in finished compost:

6. A _________________ may be managed actively or statically.

7. The general guideline is the minimum volume of a hot pile should be ______________.

8. _____________ conditions often develop when moist organic material is compacted, thus obliterating air spaces.

9. Anaerobic microorganisms break down materials very slowly, and they produce____________.

10. A forest floor exemplifies a natural ________ system for recycling nutrients; a peatbog represents a natural ______________ environment.

SECTION 2: MATCHING

Straw

Worm Composting

Batch method

Coffee grounds

Pine cone

Green material

Brown material

Bulking material

Hot process

Cold process

Clear selection

SECTION 3: CHALLENGE QUESTIONS

There will be plenty of room to write an answer as long as you like.

1. What is the chimney effect? Why is it important in desert composting? What part do coarse bulking materials play in making it work? What happens when it is not working?

2. What makes a landfill different from pit or trench composting? If a material is“biodegradable,” what’s wrong with sending it to the landfill?

3. Why should you site your 1 cubic yard hot compost pile in the shade when what youreally want is for it to heat up?

SECTION 4: SAMPLE TEST QUESTIONS

Mark all correct choices.

1. Benefits of using compost:

a. Adds organic matter and beneficial microorganisms to soil

b. Supplies plants with essential nutrients

c. Improves soil structure, thus protecting soil from erosion and compaction

d. Increases our need for human-made fertilizers and water

2. Specific guidelines to follow to ensure success of the hot process are:

a. Hot composting is a batch method, meaning the organics are mixed all at

b. The total batch size should a minimum of a cubic yard

c. The total batch mix should have C:N ratio of 1:30

d. There is no need to turn the batch to maintain the process

3. Which of the following is a true statement?

a. Using compost destroys soil structure, thus protecting soil from erosion and compaction

b. The 30:1 carbon-to-nitrogen ratio is a particularly important objective for coldprocess composting

c. The ultimate decision on what to add and what to leave out of a home composting setup is up to the individual composter

A copy of your responses will be emailed to the address you provided.

Submit

Clear form

Never submit passwords through Google Forms.

reCAPTCHA

Privacy Terms

This content is neither created nor endorsed by Google. Report Abuse - Terms of Service - Privacy Policy

Forms