Nutrient Profiles by Compost Type

Not all compost is created equal.  For example, worm compost is higher in nitrogen than mushroom compost.  Understanding the nature and origin of compost is imperative to knowing where, when, and how to utilize it.  This article will help you identify which type of compost might best for your needs.

The control over inputs is requisite in being able to estimate the nutrient profile of the end product.  That said, it is difficult to provide a profile for compost that contains inputs that would be commonly produced in an active Edible Learning Lab.  The inputs we have at the flagship Lab in Wyoming often includes plant debris, kitchen scraps, yard clippings, spent coffee grounds, and shredded office paper.  Inputs from your Lab may vary greatly, therefore, a profile for Lab compost is not provided below.

The following compost nutrient profiles are provided to give you an idea of just how varied the nutrient value of a single compost source might be and how best to use them in your Lab.

Mushroom Compost

Mushroom compost contained the following amounts:

Nutrient	%
Nitrogen	1.1
Carbon	14.3
Phosphorus	0.7
Potassium	1.3
Sulfur	0.9
Iron	0.2
Zinc	0.01
Copper	0.01
Manganese	0.02
Organic Matter	25.9
Moisture	57.3

Additional research and findings are available in this report from Hort Technology.

Worm Compost

Worm compost contained the following amounts:

Nutrient	%
Nitrogen	2.36
Carbon	16
Phosphorus	2.7
Potassium	9.2
Sulfur	N/A
Iron	23.3
Zinc	N/A
Copper	N/A
Manganese	N/A
Organic Matter	19.5
Moisture	30

Cattle Manure Compost

The composted cattle manure and straw bedding contained the following amounts:

Nutrient	%
Nitrogen	2.6
Carbon	27
Phosphorus	0.9
Potassium	2.0
Sulfur	0.5
Iron	0.8
Zinc	0.02
Copper	0.006
Boron	0.002
Manganese	0.03
Organic Matter	50
Moisture	30