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Microorganisms eat the organic material in the system, and earthworms then consume the microbes. The microorganisms need carbon to fuel their metabolism and nitrogen for cell synthesis and to make enzymes that decay the organic materials. The way the microbes “eat” is by secreting enzymes that dissolve organic materials via breaking down chemical bonds. Enzyme activity increases as temperatures rise, but if it gets too hot, enzyme activity will decrease. With every 18°F (10°C) rise in temperature, from 32 to 95°F (0–35°C), there is a 1.5 to 3 percent increase in microbial activity.2 Enzyme activity also decreases if temperatures drop too low. Microorganisms need proper proportions of carbon and
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Rhonda Sherman (The Worm Farmers Handbook: Mid- to Large-Scale Vermicomposting for Farms, Businesses, Municipalities, Schools, and Institutions)