Compost pile survey - for a school project (it's an important project)?

Question

i'm doing a project for school about compost piles. if you have a compost pile, could you answer a few questions to help me please?

1. how long have you had a compost pile?

2. what's in your compost pile?

3. how long does each of the materials take to decompose?

4. do you regularly turn and water your compost pile?

5. how large is your compost pile?

6. do you think the size of the compost pile is relevant to how long the materials take to decompose?

7. does your compost pile decrease in size as the materaisl compost, and by how much?

~ bonus question :] ~ do you live in a warm climate, and if so, do you think that helps your pile compost faster?

thanks!

Answer 1

1 since we moved in 3 years ago (we had one at our old place too - have had one since 1997)

2 fruit, vege, leaves, egg shells, grass clippings,

3 no idea.. maybe just under 1 year

4 no - but it does get rained on..

5 its size of a big tractor tire

6 not really

7 it decreases only slightly..

we live in Alberta Canada.. I do think warmth would help it compost faster.. yes..

Answer 2

1.2 years

2.2 seperate piles-raw organic waste...eggshells, coffee grounds, and grass clippings/dry materials.....2nd bin has rotten left overs, bread crusts(our daughter's doing), pasta etc....

3. pile one 2 to 3 months.....pile two 1 month

4. everyday

5. small containers....live in a townhome with no yard

6. yes

7. yes, a few inches maybe six...as stuff decomposes....i keep a close eye due to my containers being so small

8.  no, a moderate climate

Also, i add worms to my bins and it has been known that adding manure speeds up the process tremendously....i, however, have never done this