Worksheet for "Observing leaves in a compost pile"

How leaves decompose in a compost pile (cont.)

Observation:
a) Every 7 days carefully dig up the bags.

b) Remove the leaves, trying not to break up or otherwise change the leaves.

c) Record what you see - include date, detailed description of each bag's contents, and a picture if possible.

d) Put the leaves back in the bags, and plant the bags in the compost again.

e) Continue until the contents of one bag have decomposed too much to observe further.

Results:
After the final observation, state the results and what they suggest. Report the results to the class.

What do you think would happen if you did the experiment at a different time of year or in a different compost heap?

Applications:
Based on your results, what tips would you give people who are about to add loads of leaves to a composter?

What advice would you give people whose leaves do not seem to be decomposing?

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