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4. Soil Management Considerations
Differences in decomposition
rate are related to the ratio of
carbon to nitrogen
Ideal -
Faster relative decomposition
rate, more available nitrogen
C:N Ratio
Example Material
700:1
Wood chips
500:1
Sawdust/pellets
170:1
Paper
130:1
Straw from wheat
100:1
Bark
80:1
Straw from oats
60:1
Corn stalks
50:1
Peanut hulls
30:1
Compost
25:1
Legume grass hay
19:1
Grass clippings
15:1
Poultry house litter
8:1
Fresh cattle
manure
6:1
Fresh swine or
poultry manure
Slower relative decomposition rate,
less available nitrogen
Benefits of organic amendments
•
Help to build up the soil
organic matter
•
Provide nutrients for soil
fertility improvement
•
Increase soil microbial
abundance and diversity
•
Help to recycle waste, as in
the case of manure or compost
Some physical characteristics
that may be affected
•
Aggregate stability
•
Pore space
•
Water infiltration
•
Water retention
•
Drainage
Some chemical characteristics
that may be affected
•
Nutrient availability
•
Salinity
Some biological characteristics
that may be affected
•
Microbial diversity
•
Plant diversity