[USCC] C:N Ratio

[John A. Crockett]

When striving for a great C:N Ratio, are people looking at overall C:N
Ratio, or AVAILABLE?  

IF the primary decomposers in the early part of the composting process are
active (in contrast to total) bacteria, is the carbon in wood, high Lignin
feedstocks, available to the bacteria?  

I've read & heard that the only micro-organisms that can break down Lignin
are white rot, and brown rot fungus, that bacteria cannot access the carbon
in Lignin.  I don't know whether that is true.  Does anyone following the
list know?

Our compost research silos provide us with a great environment to test
various feedstock combinations, including measuring the rate of air flow
that we have to deliver to hold the CO2 in the off-gas down to between 1 -
2%.  If we have to provide > 20 times the volume of compost, in fresh air,
every hour, to hold the CO2 between 1 - 2%, then we feel we have a good
blend of feedstocks.  And the bottom line, of course, is how plants perform
in the finished product.

Working Together to Create a Sustainable Environment,
John A. Crockett, a.k.a. Dr. Mike Robe
Mother Nature's Farms
(845) 225-7763
http://www.magicsoil.com/
jac at magicsoil.com