Energy Cycling

Energy Flow within an Ecosystem Sun Producers Primary Consumer Secondary/Tertiary Consumer Decomposers Heat Chemical Energy Solar Energy Organic Waste Heat

Decomposition/Decay Decomposers are usually put at the bottom of a food web, but they are very important because they cycle biomass. Decomposers consume dead plants & animals (biomass) to recycle them back to nutrients for producers

Biomass Biomass is organic matter left behind when organisms die or as a byproduct of some industries. Decomposers cycle biomass back into the food web by converting this organic matter into carbon dioxide and nutrients. Energy is released in the form of heat during this process. Biomass is also considered a renewable energy source!

Nutrients that decomposers recycle back into the soil: Water Carbon Nitrogen Phosphorus These are essential to all life but are only present in finite amounts throughout the world hence the need for cycling of nutrients in ecosystems

Decomposers: Bacteria -Unicellular organisms -Can break down just about any type of organic matter -Live on land, air and sea -1 gram of soil (about a paperclip’s weight) contains 40 million (40,000,000) bacterial cells!

Decomposers: Fungi -Are not plants -Does include molds -Fungi release enzymes to decompose decaying material -Fungi grow on hyphae: unseen strands beneath the surface of the material they are decomposing

Fungi in action! Mold growth over a decaying peach Life of Fungi &

What are some things we could compost?

Earthworms Earthworms act as scavengers Earthworms breathe through their skin They do not have eyes but do have light & touch sensitive organs Earthworms are hermaphroditic which means they have both male and female organs

Composting Controlled Decomposition – in your backyard! Humus Mature compost ready to deliver the nutrients from decomposed materials back to producers.

Composting requires a mixture of – 1. Browns – carbon source 2. Greens – nitrogen source 3. Water leaves, branches grass, food scraps 4. Air

Worms are nature’s ultimate recyclers! Worm composing or vermiculture is just like composting, only red worms do the decomposing. Red worms can eat their weight in organic matter every day. They leave behind casings or casts that are rich in nutrients. worms

Why Compost? Think of different reasons that the composting cycle is important to YOU!

Why Compost? Turn dead organic waste (biomass), like dead leaves and table scraps, into a healthy, natural fertilizer for your gardens and lawns. The humus can replenish nutrients in the soil. Results: Higher crop yields Enrich soil Cleaner soil & air Suppress plant diseases Reduce waste without a landfill!

The Big Picture: Cycle of Matter Organic Waste DecomposersCompost Replenish Soil Cycling of Nutrients