Capable of being broken down by living organisms into a simpler component.

Soil with an open structure that crumbles when handled. Also referred to as "tilth."

A plant that lacks chlorophyll and vascular tissue.

Organic materials that fall lower than 7 on the pH (acidic/alkaline) scale of 1 through 14.

Microorganisms that are half bacteria and half fungi. They do their breakdown work in a compost pile at temperatures ranging from 70 - 90 degrees.

Organic materials, usually nitrogen or microorganisms, used to jumpstart the decomposition process.

To add air; in composting, it usually involves turning the pile or adding ventilation stacks.

is living or occurring only in the presence of oxygen.

Those processes or organisms that can funtion without oxygen present.

Single-celled microorganisms.