This was a study conducted across 600 days, where 10 original worms were used, and reproduction/growth was noted throughout. 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. 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) Compost Mix Calculator Sources Bernalillo County Extension Master Composters. Calculate C/N Ratio For Three Materials This calculation solves for the carbon to nitrogen ratio of up to three materials. (Use 3 inches to improve sandy soils, or 1-2 inches for heavy clay soils). Or just want to make sure you are not buying too much. The Compost Calculator Width (feet) Length (feet) Depth (inches) For mulching, spread 1-3 inches of compost on beds in fall or spring. As a soil amendment before planting new beds, use 1-3 inches of compost dug or tilled into the soil. For lawns: Lawns can look great without chemicals. Aerate your lawns, then apply 1/4 – 1/2 inch of compost and gently rake into existing soil. 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. Compost Calculator; Unsure about how much compost you need? You can build excellent compost without using a calculator. Our soil calculator can be used to help you determine how much soil all of your containers will need. 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). Compost & Mulch Calculator Skip to page navigation How much compost or mulch do you need? 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. 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. For optimal performance, the beneficial microbes need the right ratio of carbon for vitality and nitrogen for protein generation. Reseed and water as usual. 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. 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. Our compost calculator gives measurements in both cubic yards and tons based on average dry weights. 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. Confused with how much a yard of compost is? The addition of water adds more weight even though the square footage covered remains unchanged. 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. When adding materials to your compost, it is not necessary to use precise measurements or attain an exact C:N (carbon to nitrogen) ratio. Note though, that if you are using gravel, such as for walkways and driveways, it may come pre-mixed with water. 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