1. What is the Compost Ratio?

The compost ratio (C:N ratio) compares the relative amounts of carbon to nitrogen in organic materials. It's a crucial factor in composting as it affects decomposition speed and quality of the final compost.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the simple formula:

Where:

• \( Carbon \) — Amount of carbon-rich materials (parts)
• \( Nitrogen \) — Amount of nitrogen-rich materials (parts)

Explanation: The ideal C:N ratio for composting is typically between 25:1 and 30:1. Higher ratios decompose slowly while lower ratios may cause nitrogen loss.

3. Importance of C:N Ratio

Details: Proper C:N ratio ensures efficient decomposition, minimizes odors, and produces nutrient-rich compost. Microorganisms need both carbon (for energy) and nitrogen (for protein synthesis).

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the parts of carbon materials (e.g., dry leaves, straw) and nitrogen materials (e.g., food scraps, grass clippings). Both values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the ideal compost ratio?
A: The optimal range is 25:1 to 30:1. This balance provides enough energy (carbon) and protein (nitrogen) for decomposer organisms.

Q2: What happens if the ratio is too high?
A: High carbon ratios (>40:1) decompose slowly as microorganisms lack sufficient nitrogen for growth.

Q3: What happens if the ratio is too low?
A: Low ratios (<20:1) may cause nitrogen loss as ammonia, creating odors and reducing compost quality.

Q4: How can I adjust my compost ratio?
A: Add carbon-rich materials (like dry leaves) to increase ratio, or nitrogen-rich materials (like grass clippings) to decrease ratio.

Q5: Do I need exact measurements?
A: While exact measurements help, composting is forgiving. Approximate estimates of material types are often sufficient.