Cycling of Matter

What will we learn?

• Cycling of matter within living systems• Example of living system: compost bin

Conservation of Matter

• Matter of a closed system will remain constant over time

• Matter is not created or destroyed but transformed into more complex forms

Cycling of Matter

Nutrients in the Soil

Plants Herbivores Predators

Waste and Death

Decomposition

Decomposition

Decomposition

• Break down of organic matter into simpler forms of matter

AB A+B

• Complex plants break down into the major elements that compose them like carbon, nitrogen, phosphorous and more.

C + N + P + …

Composting• Break down of Matter

How does the matter break down?

• Micro-organisms– Bacteria– Actinomycetes– Fungi– Protozoa– Rotifers

• Worms

Ingredients for Successful Composting

• Carbon source (browns)• Nitrogen source (greens)• Water• Oxygen

Composting Cycle

OrganicWaste

Micro-organisms Worms

Compost

Replenish SoilCycle of Matter

Composting Cycle

• The decomposing step within the cycle of matter has its own cycle.

• This is the cycle of a compost bin