A student investigated the rate of decomposition of three different types of organic compost (forest loam, garden compost, and peat-free compost) by measuring the time taken (in weeks) for samples of the compost to lose 25% of their initial dry organic mass at different soil temperatures.
The results are shown in the graph below.
a.[1]
Which type of compost takes the longest to lose 25% of its dry mass at 10∘C10^\circ\text{C}10∘C?
b.[2]
Describe the effect of soil temperature on the time taken for garden compost to lose 25% of its dry mass. Use values from the graph in your answer.
c.[1]
Suggest one reason why forest loam decomposes faster at 15∘C15^\circ\text{C}15∘C than at 5∘C5^\circ\text{C}5∘C.