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 |
[…] is invaluable in the garden. The organic material in active compost provides a host of micro and macro-nutrients to help plants grow, creating healthier plants and soil that can fight off pests. Good compost also […]