What is the general pH range of advanced decomposition?

What is the general pH range of advanced decomposition?

• A. 3-4
• B. 7-9
• C. 10-14
• D. 5-6

Answer: (C)

When organic material decomposes, the environment shifts from neutral toward alkaline as breakdown products accumulate. In advanced stages, ammonia and related basic compounds build up, driving the pH to strongly basic values. That means the pH sits in the high end of the scale, roughly 10 to 14. The lower ranges (acidic or near neutral) correspond to earlier stages of decay or less intense decomposition, not the advanced stage.

When organic material decomposes, the environment shifts from neutral toward alkaline as breakdown products accumulate. In advanced stages, ammonia and related basic compounds build up, driving the pH to strongly basic values. That means the pH sits in the high end of the scale, roughly 10 to 14. The lower ranges (acidic or near neutral) correspond to earlier stages of decay or less intense decomposition, not the advanced stage.