Woodchip Steam – Caused by Fungi and Bacteria
Q: My coworkers and I were wondering why a huge pile of wood chips makes steam afterwards.
A: The condensed water vapor (steam) is caused by the heat of billions of fungi and bacteria digesting fresh wood and sap. Digestion is just a slow form of oxidation or burning. If you and a billion coworkers were eating lunch in the same room, you’d heat up too!
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Browse and purchase gardening books by Walter Reeves, plus select titles by other authors.
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