answersLogoWhite

0


Best Answer

The byproduct of the compostable materials being broken down into the elements from which they're made is the reason for the heat in a compost pile. The breakdown of compostable materials into compost is brought about by the food that these materials represent to microbes. The microbes give off heat in digesting their food.

The situation is similar to human body temperature rising due to the change from stored to motion energy when human muscles are exercised. Human sweat helps regulate human heat. There's no such equivalent for microbes.

So microbes warm up, and may even do so to the extent that the compost pile catches on fire. You don't want the compost pile on fire. But you do want it at a maximum temperature of 140 degrees F/60 degrees Celsius. The heat keeps weed seeds and pathogens from growing.

User Avatar

Wiki User

14y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar
More answers
User Avatar

AnswerBot

6mo ago

Compost gives off heat as a result of microbial activity breaking down organic matter. This process generates heat as a byproduct of the decomposition process. The heat is a sign that the microbes are active and breaking down the organic material effectively.

This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: Why does compost give off heat?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Continue Learning about Chemistry

Why does a compost pile give off heat energy?

A compost pile generates heat energy as a byproduct of the microbial activity that breaks down organic matter. The microbes in the pile consume organic material, releasing energy in the form of heat as they metabolize the nutrients. This process of decomposition is known as aerobic respiration.


Why is heat an important part of the composting?

Heat helps to break down organic materials in the compost pile faster by speeding up the decomposition process. The heat generated during composting also helps to kill off weed seeds and pathogens present in the material. Additionally, the heat is an indicator that the microbial activity in the compost pile is at an optimal level for decomposition.


Why is there heat inside a compost heap?

The heat inside a compost heap is generated by the decomposition process carried out by microorganisms breaking down organic matter. As they break down the materials, they release heat energy as a byproduct. The heat helps to speed up the decomposition process and kill off pathogens and weed seeds present in the compost.


Why does composting release heat?

Composting releases heat as a result of microbial activity breaking down organic matter. The breakdown process generates heat as a byproduct, creating optimal conditions for the microbes to thrive and accelerating the decomposition process within the compost pile.


What is a chemical property that gives off heat?

Combustibility is a chemical property that can give off heat, such as in the process of burning wood or fuels.

Related questions

Why does a compost pile give off heat energy?

A compost pile generates heat energy as a byproduct of the microbial activity that breaks down organic matter. The microbes in the pile consume organic material, releasing energy in the form of heat as they metabolize the nutrients. This process of decomposition is known as aerobic respiration.


Why compost produce heat?

benefit of the compost pile generating heat


How does heat affect a compost pile?

Heat and Moisture break down the compost.


Where will heat of a compost bin go?

The heat stays mostly inside the compost, that's why it is important to turn the compost inside out regularly, so that every part of the compost gets sterilized from bad germs. In open air compost heaps, the heat will evaporate as vapor, especially visible in cold weather. That water loss needs to be compensated. There is probably not much residual heat at the surface of a compost bin. Heat usually goes up, but in that case, the heat is not in air or water, but in the mass of the compost itself, so it radiates in all directions. A small container such as a compost bin would see most of the heat exchanged from every side.


Do black people give off heat?

All people what or black give off heat.


What is the process of a compost heat?

The process of compost heat is to breack down the material.


Does heat always give off heat?

Yes.


Does the process of composting give off heat or take in heat?

it gives off a great deal of heat


Does ice give off heat?

No, ice does not give off heat. In fact, ice absorbs heat from its surroundings in order to melt and become liquid water.


Why is heat an important part of the composting?

Heat helps to break down organic materials in the compost pile faster by speeding up the decomposition process. The heat generated during composting also helps to kill off weed seeds and pathogens present in the material. Additionally, the heat is an indicator that the microbial activity in the compost pile is at an optimal level for decomposition.


Bad for compost?

Plastic is bad for compost because it throws the heat of in the pile and can cause a spot to spoil


Does a compost bin need to be in the shade?

It is best to have the bin in the sun so that it gets the most heat. Heat is needed to brake down yard waste into compost.