1. What is the Carbon Nitrogen Ratio?

The Carbon Nitrogen (C/N) ratio is a critical factor in composting that affects the speed and quality of decomposition. It represents the proportion of carbon to nitrogen in organic materials being composted.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( Weight \) — Weight of each material (kg)
• \( C \) — Carbon content (%)
• \( N \) — Nitrogen content (%)

Explanation: The calculator sums the total carbon and nitrogen from all materials, then divides the total carbon by the total nitrogen.

3. Importance of C/N Ratio in Composting

Details: 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 as ammonia.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kg and percentages for at least one material. You can add a second material if needed. Carbon and nitrogen percentages should be between 0-100%.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the ideal C/N ratio for composting?
A: The optimal range is 25:1 to 30:1. This provides enough carbon for energy and nitrogen for microbial growth.

Q2: What are examples of high-carbon materials?
A: Dry leaves (40-80:1), straw (40-100:1), sawdust (200-750:1), and paper (150-200:1).

Q3: What are examples of high-nitrogen materials?
A: Food scraps (15-20:1), grass clippings (10-25:1), manure (5-25:1), and coffee grounds (20:1).

Q4: What happens if the ratio is too high?
A: Decomposition slows down as microbes lack sufficient nitrogen for growth.

Q5: What happens if the ratio is too low?
A: Excess nitrogen may be lost as ammonia, creating odors and reducing nutrient value.