[USCC] Availability of N from compost

[Eugene R. Moore]

Approximately how many days after spreading would one expect the N in a 
compost to become available to a plant, if spread during the spring?

More specifically, assume the following:

Compost is broadcast spread, without any incorporation, during mid to late 
March---------In southern Iowa.
Thawing would have started by then, but soil temperatures would not reach 50 
degrees F until about late April.
First year available N is 12lbs according to lab tests.
Weather conditions are as they have been for the last several 
years--------lots of rain in early May.

What would be the probable time table for the first year N to become 
available to the plant?.........late May?    Mid June???


Thanks.


Eugene R. Moore
Spring Valley Farms of IA, Ltd.
1701 3rd Avenue East, Suite 7
Oskaloosa, Iowa  52577
Telep:  641 673 6964
Fax:     641 673 6551