Measuring Biodiversity

Compost critters.

Students count and chart the organisms living in each compost system. The more complex the ecosystem, the more nutrient dense the food grown with that compost.

Decomposer

Earthworms

Break down scraps and plant material into castings, one of the richest natural fertilizers available.

Shredder

Pill Bugs

Shred dead plant material into smaller pieces so other decomposers can finish the job. Crustaceans, not insects.

Predator

Beetles

Patrol the pile and the beds, eating pests and keeping the system in balance.

Predator

Centipedes

Hunt other invertebrates. A sign the compost ecosystem has enough layers to support predators.

Decomposer Network

Fungi & Mycelium

Spread through the pile breaking down tough material like wood chips and straw that worms cannot handle alone.

Method

Tumbler vs Aerobic Pile

Students chart biodiversity across compost systems week by week and compare which method builds a richer ecosystem.