Well, according to the USDA, the ideal carbon to nitrogen rate for optimal microbial action in a compost pile is between 20:1 and 40:1, with 24:1 being the absolute sweet spot. For lawns: Lawns can look great without chemicals. This calculator computes one of the following three quantities, given the other two: volume of soil amendment (in cubic yards), area of coverage (in square feet), depth of amendment (in inches) To use this calculator, you must enter two of the three numbers. Calculate C/N Ratio For Three Materials This calculation solves for the carbon to nitrogen ratio of up to three materials. GMC Complete Compost should be added to your soil at a ratio of 1 part compost to a minimum of 2 parts native soil. For optimal performance, the beneficial microbes need the right ratio of carbon for vitality and nitrogen for protein generation. As a soil amendment before planting new beds, use 1-3 inches of compost dug or tilled into the soil. Compost Mix Calculator Sources Bernalillo County Extension Master Composters. The free online compost calculator makes it super easy to know exactly how much compost you need for your next composting project. Or just want to make sure you are not buying too much. Reseed and water as usual. Our soil calculator can be used to help you determine how much soil all of your containers will need. Note though, that if you are using gravel, such as for walkways and driveways, it may come pre-mixed with water. Use our calculator to formulate a plan for your project. Ratio 1 is going to represent all of the organic waste you have accumulated at your home or business that you want to compost such as food scraps, weeds, and used paper. Compost & Mulch Calculator Skip to page navigation How much compost or mulch do you need? This was a study conducted across 600 days, where 10 original worms were used, and reproduction/growth was noted throughout. Aerate your lawns, then apply 1/4 – 1/2 inch of compost and gently rake into existing soil. Cubic yards of compost required to cover a specific area: 2_____ ft x _____ inches of compost x 0.0031 = _____ yd3 Example: 2 43,560 ft x 1 inch of compost x 0.0031 = 135 yd3 per acre Calculating nutrient application rates from compost A) Volume method 1) Calculate cubic yards of compost applied per specific area (see above) So, you can either build a pile and hope for the best… or, you can use our compost calculator to help make sure your compost pile has good carbon to nitrogen ratios. Simply enter in the length and width of the area to be composted, the compost depth desired, and optionally enter in the compost bulk density. Ratio 2 is going to be additional items mixed in afterwards that have a C:N either high in nitrogen or high in carbon – whichever is opposite to Ratio 1. You can build excellent compost without using a calculator. Reproduction Rate - V&R (1987): Uses values from The life-cycle of the compost worm Eisenia fetida (Oligochaeta) (J.M.Venter and A.J.Reinecke). Ideally, the estimated C:N ratio for composting is between 25:1 and 30:1 portions of carbon and nitrogen for a faster composting process. Confused with how much a yard of compost is? Compost Calculator; Unsure about how much compost you need? For mulching, spread 1-3 inches of compost on beds in fall or spring. When adding materials to your compost, it is not necessary to use precise measurements or attain an exact C:N (carbon to nitrogen) ratio. Our compost calculator gives measurements in both cubic yards and tons based on average dry weights. Whether you are growing in raised beds, 5 gallon buckets, or pots, our soil calculator has the flexibility to mix and match any combination of round and rectangular containers for you environment. Enter the mass of each material (wet weight), percentage of carbon, percentage of nitrogen, and percentage of moisture, then click on the calculate button. The addition of water adds more weight even though the square footage covered remains unchanged. (Use 3 inches to improve sandy soils, or 1-2 inches for heavy clay soils). The Compost Calculator Width (feet) Length (feet) Depth (inches)