1. What is Carbon/Nitrogen Ratio?

The Carbon/Nitrogen (C:N) ratio is a critical factor in composting that affects the speed and efficiency of the decomposition process. Microorganisms that break down organic matter require both carbon for energy and nitrogen for protein synthesis.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the simple C:N ratio formula:

Where:

• \( Carbon \) — Weight of carbon-rich materials in pounds
• \( Nitrogen \) — Weight of nitrogen-rich materials in pounds

Explanation: The ratio represents the proportion of carbon to nitrogen in your compost mixture. An optimal ratio helps maintain efficient decomposition.

3. Importance of C:N Ratio in Composting

Details: The ideal C:N ratio for composting is typically between 25:1 and 30:1. Too much carbon slows decomposition, while too much nitrogen can cause odor problems.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the weight of carbon-rich materials (like dry leaves, straw, paper) and nitrogen-rich materials (like food scraps, grass clippings, manure) in pounds. Both values must be greater than zero.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What happens if the C:N ratio is too high?
A: A high ratio (too much carbon) will slow down decomposition as microorganisms won't have enough nitrogen for growth and reproduction.

Q2: What happens if the C:N ratio is too low?
A: A low ratio (too much nitrogen) can lead to ammonia odors and nitrogen loss through volatilization.

Q3: What are common carbon-rich materials?
A: Dry leaves, straw, sawdust, paper, cardboard, and wood chips are typical carbon sources.

Q4: What are common nitrogen-rich materials?
A: Food scraps, fresh grass clippings, coffee grounds, manure, and green plant material are good nitrogen sources.

Q5: How can I adjust my C:N ratio?
A: Add more carbon materials to increase the ratio or more nitrogen materials to decrease it. The calculator helps you determine your current ratio.