The Compost Calculator Width (feet) Length (feet) Depth (inches) Compost & Mulch Calculator Skip to page navigation How much compost or mulch do you need? 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) Calculate C/N Ratio For Three Materials This calculation solves for the carbon to nitrogen ratio of up to three materials. Use our calculator to formulate a plan for your project. 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. When adding materials to your compost, it is not necessary to use precise measurements or attain an exact C:N (carbon to nitrogen) ratio. 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. GMC Complete Compost should be added to your soil at a ratio of 1 part compost to a minimum of 2 parts native soil. 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. Note though, that if you are using gravel, such as for walkways and driveways, it may come pre-mixed with water. The addition of water adds more weight even though the square footage covered remains unchanged. You can build excellent compost without using a calculator. Compost Mix Calculator Sources Bernalillo County Extension Master Composters. 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. 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. Our compost calculator gives measurements in both cubic yards and tons based on average dry weights. 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. This was a study conducted across 600 days, where 10 original worms were used, and reproduction/growth was noted throughout. For mulching, spread 1-3 inches of compost on beds in fall or spring. Our soil calculator can be used to help you determine how much soil all of your containers will need. 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. Enter the mass of each material (wet weight), percentage of carbon, percentage of nitrogen, and percentage of moisture, then click on the calculate button. 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. For optimal performance, the beneficial microbes need the right ratio of carbon for vitality and nitrogen for protein generation. For lawns: Lawns can look great without chemicals. 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). Aerate your lawns, then apply 1/4 – 1/2 inch of compost and gently rake into existing soil. Confused with how much a yard of compost is? 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