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Quizzes > Lifestyle & Hobbies

Composting Quiz: Test Your Know-how

Quick, free home composting quiz. Instant results and simple tips.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Masterclass KidsUpdated Aug 28, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art compost quiz illustration with leaves fruit scraps coffee grounds on golden yellow background.

This composting quiz helps you see what to add or avoid, balance greens and browns, and pick hot or cold methods for your home. Keep learning with our sustainability quiz, ecology quiz, and vegetable gardening quiz for practical tips that support a healthier yard and less waste.

What is composting?
A method of chemical fertilization using synthetic nutrients
The process of converting soil into concrete
The practice of layering rocks for garden paths
The aerobic decomposition of organic matter by microorganisms
Composting is the aerobic breakdown of organic materials like kitchen scraps and yard waste by bacteria, fungi, and other organisms to produce nutrient-rich humus. This process recycles waste into a valuable soil amendment. Proper moisture, aeration, and a balanced carbon-to-nitrogen ratio support efficient decomposition. For more information see .
Which of the following is considered a 'green' material in composting?
Shredded newspaper
Dry leaves and straw
Fruit and vegetable scraps
Wood chips and sawdust
Green materials are rich in nitrogen and include kitchen scraps like fruit and vegetable peels, grass clippings, and coffee grounds. They supply essential nutrients that fuel microbial activity. Balancing greens with brown materials (carbon sources) ensures efficient composting. Learn more at .
What is the ideal carbon-to-nitrogen (C:N) ratio for a compost pile?
10:1
30:1
50:1
100:1
An optimal C:N ratio of around 25 - 30:1 provides the right balance of carbon (energy) and nitrogen (protein) for microorganisms to break down organic matter efficiently. Ratios too high or too low can slow the process or create odors. Adjust with browns or greens as needed. See for more details.
What moisture level is best for active composting?
10% (very dry)
50% (moist like a wrung-out sponge)
20% (slightly damp)
90% (saturated)
Compost should be kept about 40 - 60% moisture, roughly like a wrung-out sponge, to support microbial activity without causing anaerobic conditions. Too dry and decomposition slows; too wet and odors may develop. Regularly check and adjust moisture. For guidance, see .
Which temperature range is characteristic of the hot composting phase?
150 - 170°F (66 - 77°C)
50 - 70°F (10 - 21°C)
70 - 90°F (21 - 32°C)
130 - 150°F (55 - 66°C)
The thermophilic (hot) phase of composting typically reaches 130 - 150°F (55 - 66°C), where heat-loving microbes break down proteins and fats and kill pathogens and weed seeds. Maintaining this temperature range speeds decomposition and improves compost quality. Details at .
What is the primary benefit of regularly turning a compost pile?
Preventing moisture loss entirely
Increasing aeration to support aerobic microbes
Adding more nutrients directly
Raising the pH dramatically
Turning a compost pile reintroduces oxygen, which is essential for aerobic microorganisms to thrive and decompose organic material efficiently. It also redistributes moisture and heat, promoting uniform breakdown. Too little turning can lead to anaerobic odors. Learn best practices at .
Which of these items should generally NOT be added to a home compost pile?
Grass clippings
Fruit and vegetable scraps
Crushed eggshells
Meat and dairy products
Meat and dairy can attract pests, produce foul odors, and introduce pathogens when composted at home. Most backyard systems cannot sustain the high, consistent temperatures needed to safely break down these materials. Stick to plant-based scraps and yard waste. See .
Which of the following is classified as a 'brown' material in composting?
Fruit peels
Dried leaves and twigs
Fresh grass clippings
Coffee grounds
Brown materials are high in carbon and include dried leaves, straw, and small twigs. They provide structure, improve aeration, and balance the nitrogen in green materials. Proper layering helps maintain the ideal carbon-to-nitrogen ratio. More on browns at .
Why is it beneficial to shred or chop materials before adding them to a compost pile?
It sterilizes the materials
It lowers the carbon content
It reduces the need for moisture
It increases the surface area for microbes
Shredding or chopping organic matter into smaller pieces exposes more surface area to microbial attack, accelerating decomposition. It also helps maintain uniform moisture and heat distribution in the pile. Large chunks slow the process. Best practices are covered at .
For optimal hot composting, how often should you turn the pile?
Never; let it sit
Only at the start
Once a month
Every 2 - 3 days
Turning a hot compost pile every 2 - 3 days maintains high oxygen levels and even heat distribution, sustaining the thermophilic phase for rapid breakdown. Less frequent turning can slow decomposition and create cold spots. Detailed schedules can be found at .
What is 'compost tea'?
A fermented beverage for livestock
A nutrient-rich liquid brewed from compost to inoculate soil
Concentrated fertilizer made from synthetic chemicals
A herbal infusion for pest control
Compost tea is a liquid extract brewed by steeping compost in water (often with aeration) to cultivate beneficial microbes and soluble nutrients. It can be applied to soil or foliage to boost plant health. Quality depends on brewing time and aeration. Learn more at .
Vermicomposting primarily relies on which organism?
Fungi only
Earthworms (e.g., red wigglers)
Fruit flies
Beetles
Vermicomposting uses specific earthworm species, most commonly red wigglers (Eisenia fetida), to consume and break down organic waste into nutrient-rich castings. These worms thrive in moderate temperatures and moist conditions. For setups and tips see .
What pH range is most favorable for composting microbes?
6.5 - 7.5 (near neutral)
3.0 - 4.0 (very acidic)
Any pH has no effect
8.5 - 9.5 (alkaline)
Most composting microorganisms thrive in a near-neutral pH range of about 6.5 - 7.5. Extremes can inhibit bacterial and fungal activity, slowing decomposition. Regularly monitoring and adjusting pH can improve results. Extension guides detail pH management at .
How can you tell when compost is mature and ready to use?
It has large identifiable food scraps
It remains hot to the touch
It is dark, crumbly, and smells earthy
It smells sour and looks slimy
Mature compost is dark brown to black, has a crumbly texture, and emits a pleasant earthy aroma. It cools fully, indicating active decomposition has ended. Undecomposed bits or foul odors suggest more processing is needed. For additional signs see .
What is the most common cause of a foul odor in a compost pile?
Anaerobic (oxygen-starved) conditions
Too much airflow
Too much browns
Excessive pH buffering
Foul odors typically indicate anaerobic conditions, where lack of oxygen causes anaerobic bacteria to produce foul?smelling compounds. Balancing moisture, adding browns, and turning the pile restores oxygen and eliminates odors. Troubleshooting tips at .
Which composting phase is characterized by temperatures above 40°C?
Thermophilic phase
Mesophilic phase
Inoculation phase
Curing phase
The thermophilic phase begins when microbial activity heats the pile above 40°C (104°F) and can reach up to 70°C (158°F). This phase accelerates breakdown of proteins, lipids, and pathogens. Understanding phase transitions ensures safe, efficient composting. Read more at .
What does 'cold composting' typically refer to?
Adding ice to maintain 4°C
Composting in winter only
A slow, low?temperature method without regular turning
Using refrigerants to cool the pile
Cold composting is a hands?off approach where organic materials decompose over several months without active management or regular turning. It generally never exceeds ambient temperatures but still produces usable compost. It's low-maintenance but slower than hot methods. See details at .
What is the 'curing' stage in composting?
Inoculating the pile with fungi
Initial heating phase with pathogens
The addition of curing agents like lime
Final maturation period after active decomposition
Curing is the stabilization stage following active decomposition, where remaining organic matter further breaks down at lower temperatures. This phase improves compost quality, reducing phytotoxins and ensuring maturity. Proper curing enhances nutrient availability. More at .
How does adding biochar benefit a compost pile?
Raises moisture content above 80%
Adds carbon and improves porosity for aeration
Lowers the pH to acidic levels
Increases weed seed germination
Biochar is a stable form of carbon created by pyrolysis. When mixed into compost, it increases porosity, retains moisture and nutrients, and provides habitat for beneficial microbes. This improves aeration and long-term soil carbon storage. Read about benefits at .
What minimum temperature and duration are required to reliably kill most weed seeds and pathogens in compost?
70°C (158°F) for 1 hour
40°C (104°F) for 7 days
55°C (131°F) for at least 3 consecutive days
30°C (86°F) for 14 days
Maintaining compost at 55°C (131°F) for a minimum of three consecutive days ensures most weed seeds, pathogens, and harmful bacteria are eliminated. This standard is recommended by regulatory agencies and composting guidelines. Consistent monitoring is essential. See .
How long does the thermophilic phase typically last in a well-managed compost pile?
1 - 3 days
Over 60 days
30 - 60 days
3 - 15 days
In a properly balanced and turned compost pile, the thermophilic phase usually persists for about 3 - 15 days, depending on materials, moisture, and aeration. This time frame maximizes pathogen kill and rapid decomposition. Adjust management to sustain optimal duration. More info at .
What role do actinomycetes play in composting?
They break down tough compounds like cellulose and lignin
They primarily produce methane gas
They only inhabit aquatic environments
They fix atmospheric nitrogen like legumes
Actinomycetes are filamentous bacteria that decompose complex molecules such as cellulose and lignin, contributing to the earthy 'mushroom' smell of compost. They thrive in the latter stages as the pile cools. Their activity enhances humus formation. Learn more at .
What key difference distinguishes bokashi composting from traditional aerobic composting?
Bokashi requires temperatures above 80°C
Bokashi uses only chemical catalysts
Bokashi is an anaerobic fermentation process using effective microorganisms
Bokashi excludes all nitrogen-rich materials
Bokashi composting uses an anaerobic fermentation process with a special microbial inoculant (EM) to preserve nutrients and rapidly ferment kitchen waste. Traditional composting is aerobic and relies on oxygen-dependent microbes to decompose organic matter. Bokashi bins remain airtight, unlike open piles. Explore methods at .
How do white rot fungi contribute to lignin degradation in compost?
By raising compost pH to above 9.0
By secreting lignin-peroxidase and manganese-peroxidase enzymes
By converting lignin into plastics
By producing methane gas
White rot fungi produce extracellular enzymes like lignin-peroxidase and manganese-peroxidase that break the complex aromatic structure of lignin, enabling further decomposition of woody materials. They are crucial in advanced compost systems and forest litter breakdown. For more, see .
What is the recommended method for managing pharmaceutical residues in compost to protect environmental health?
Use licensed industrial composting facilities that maintain high temperatures and regulated processes
Dilute pharmaceuticals in water before adding to compost
Mix pharmaceuticals into backyard compost and let natural microbes degrade them
Discard pharmaceuticals in regular household waste for landfill burial
Pharmaceutical residues can persist in standard compost and harm ecosystems. The safest practice is to route these materials to specialized industrial or municipal composting facilities that achieve consistently high temperatures and follow regulatory protocols. This minimizes environmental release. Review guidelines at .
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Study Outcomes

  1. Identify Compostable Materials -

    Understand which kitchen scraps, yard waste, and other organic materials are suitable for composting through our compost quiz, enabling you to sort your green and brown inputs effectively.

  2. Assess Compost Pile Conditions -

    Analyze moisture, temperature, and aeration levels to determine the health of your compost heap and learn how to adjust factors for optimal decomposition.

  3. Apply Composting Techniques -

    Distinguish between cold and hot composting methods and apply the right strategies from our composting quiz to manage your composting routine efficiently.

  4. Optimize Decomposition Speed -

    Use expert tips from our compost trivia quiz to enhance microbial activity and reduce composting time, achieving rich, dark soil amendment faster.

  5. Troubleshoot Common Compost Issues -

    Identify and resolve common problems like odors, pests, and nutrient imbalances by applying targeted solutions from our compost questions and knowledge test insights.

  6. Gauge Compost Readiness -

    Learn to test and recognize when your compost is fully matured and ready to use, ensuring nutrient-rich humus for your garden projects.

Cheat Sheet

  1. C:N Ratio (Carbon-to-Nitrogen) Balance -

    Your compost thrives at a 30:1 carbon-to-nitrogen ratio - about 30 parts "brown" (dry leaves, straw) to 1 part "green" (kitchen scraps, fresh grass). A handy mnemonic is "30 brown leaves to 1 green blade" to help you remember for your compost quiz. This guideline from the Cornell Waste Management Institute ensures microbes have the right fuel (Cornell University).

  2. Moisture Management -

    Optimal moisture is 40 - 60%, similar to a well-wrung sponge - just a few drops should appear during the squeeze test, per the EPA's composting handbook. Too dry stalls decomposition; too wet leads to odors and anaerobic zones. Mastering this for your composting quiz keeps your pile active and odor-free (U.S. EPA).

  3. Aeration & Turning Schedule -

    Turn the pile every 1 - 2 weeks to introduce oxygen, fueling aerobic microbes that rapidly break down materials. Setting a calendar reminder (e.g., every 10 days) ensures consistent aeration and prevents foul smells - common questions on composting quizzes. The USDA NRCS recommends this practice for top performance.

  4. Temperature Monitoring -

    Track heat levels: 40 - 65 °C (104 - 149 °F) marks the thermophilic phase where pathogens and weed seeds are destroyed. Use a compost thermometer for 3 - 6 days at peak heat, as highlighted by the Rodale Institute. Knowing these stages will help you ace compost trivia quizzes on microbial activity.

  5. Do's and Don'ts of Compost Ingredients -

    Include fruit/vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, and leaves, but exclude meat, dairy, and diseased plants to avoid pests - this rule appears frequently in compost quizzes. A simple rule: "If it doesn't decompose well in nature, leave it out." The University of California ANR endorses these guidelines for safe, efficient composting.

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