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What is Compost?

Actinomycetes
Bacteria
Fungi

Ants
Beetles
Centipedes
Fruit Beetle
Millipedes
Mites
Redworms
Sowbugs
Springtails


Fungi

Fungi is the name for a family of simple organisms that lack a photosynthetic pigment which includes molds and yeasts. Next to Bacteria, fungi are one the most efficient decomposer organisms.

In compost, fungi are important because they (like Actinomycetes) break down tough debris , enabling Bacteria to continue the decomposition process once most of the cellulose has been exhausted. They spread and grow vigorously by producing many cells and filaments, and they can attack organic residues that are too dry, acidic, or low in nitrogen for bacterial decomposition.

Fungal species are numerous during both mesophilic and thermophilic phases of composting. Most fungi live in the outer layer of compost when temperatures are high. Compost molds can grow both as unseen filaments and as gray or white fuzzy colonies on the compost surface.




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