daisybeans
annapolis md
Posts: 3675
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| Posted: Mon Apr 27, 2009 12:52 am Post subject: Compost question regarding nitrogen |
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My neighbor says I am over thinking this, however, I'm still asking...
Is dried grass nitrogen because it is grass? Or is it carbon because it is brown?  I have a bag of clippings that may turn brown before I can use them.
Thank you!
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petunia
northern michigan
Posts: 2246
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| Posted: Mon Apr 27, 2009 3:19 am Post subject: |
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DB
your greengrasses would add nitrogen and yes the browns would add carbon that would provide energy for microbes. hope this helps.
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Petunia
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Sjoerd
West - Friesland
Posts: 6915
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| Posted: Mon Apr 27, 2009 11:01 am Post subject: |
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Grass clippings contain about 4 percent nitrogen, 2 percent potassium and 1 percent phosphorus.
Dead, dry and brown grass would have less nitrogen and certainaly some carbon like Petunia said. It probably doesn't matter when you add the grass or in what state it is in--your compost heap will eventually process it all.
One thing that I will say abour fresh grass cuttings is that (1) you shoule not flop a layer of it in and leave it. fresh grass has the tendency to form a slimy, stinky 'mat' that will somewhat prevent oxygen from entering your pile. If you use fresh green grass clippings I would suggest they you sprinkle handfulls of it as you turn the compost so that it becomes evenly distributed and not form clumps. Green grass applied this way will help accelerate your composting to a degree and is a very valuable component.
If you have too much left over after mixing the compost, you can always use what's left over as a mulch around other plants. I fo this on my runners sometimes, but I must always check to see that the grass seeds from the clippings haven't germinated.
Good luck with your composting. Just remember, it isn't rocket science--your clippings etc. will eventually compost no mater what you do. Many folks want their refuse composted quickly and if that is important to you there are ways to facilitate that.
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Sjoerd http://www.volkstuindersvereniginghoornenomstreken.nl/Page11.html
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daisybeans
annapolis md
Posts: 3675
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| Posted: Mon Apr 27, 2009 11:02 am Post subject: |
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It sure does help Petunia. Thanks. I was excited to see that it was heating up inside the composter this weekend! (My first attempt at composting, in case you couldn't tell!)
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daisybeans
annapolis md
Posts: 3675
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| Posted: Mon Apr 27, 2009 11:28 am Post subject: |
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Thanks Sjoerd, esp for the breakdown. I ask a lot of questions, I know. Once I "get it" I settle down! So far, so good with the compost. I did mix in the grass clippings, along with some dirt, a little rainwater. I'll sprinkle the rest somewhere. It's nice clean grass, no roots, very lovely. I think it's looking pretty good in the composter. My neighbor thinks it's funny, but I am really fascinated by my composter...
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Sjoerd
West - Friesland
Posts: 6915
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| Posted: Mon Apr 27, 2009 11:45 am Post subject: |
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Ha ha ha,...so you ask questions--that's what this forum is for. 
It's always good to see someone so enthusiastic.
it sounds like your compost is working quite well. Congrats.
There is so much you can do with compost. Despite what seems like tons of refuse that I compost each year, I never have enough to spread round. Oh well, it's fun making it.
I have two bins--one was a gift from a dear friend and the other I made. They both work very well although they are quite dis-similiar in construction.
I turn my compost every 10 days to two weeks...and I try to always have something that I can 'turn under' when I do it.
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Sjoerd http://www.volkstuindersvereniginghoornenomstreken.nl/Page11.html
Last edited by Sjoerd on Mon Apr 27, 2009 11:44 pm; edited 1 time in total
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bunkie
eastern washington
Posts: 1439
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| Posted: Mon Apr 27, 2009 5:15 pm Post subject: |
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great questions and great answers!!! 
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