Re: [compost_tea] Re: Simple is best

From: Jeff Lowenfels <jeff_at_gardener.com>
Date: Wed, 15 Dec 2004 10:57:20 -0900
Just about every compost program in the world, ted....Here is just one
of a zillion I pulled off of google.

"

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  How do I know the difference between GREENS and BROWNS?
  This is a popular question among many first composters or organic
gardeners. Regardless of the name, "Greens" and "Browns" are not
differences in physical color. It is more technical than that. These
terms are functions of the C:N ratios in all once living creatures,
plant or animal.


Greens and browns are nicknames for different types of organic matter
to use in composting recipes.

  Greens are high in nitrogen or protein, thus organic nitrogen sources.
These products help the composting microherd to grow, breed, and
multiply fast in the piles, thus creating extreme internal temperatures
in hot compost piles.


Browns are high in carbon or carbohydrates, thus organic carbon
sources. These products supply the energy and food that mostly all soil
organism need to survive. Carbons also help absorb the offensive odors
and capture and help prevent most of the organic nitrogen in the piles
from escaping by evaporation or leaching. Carbons are also essential in
the faster formation of humus from the organic matter in a composting
process.


A simple test to determine if your organic matter is a "green" or a
"brown", is to wet it, and wait a few days. If it stinks, it is
definitely a green. If not, it's a brown.


Normal compost has a C:N ratio ranging from 25:1 to 30:1. This is
considered the origin or dividing line for all organic materials.

  Any organic matter that a C:N ratio smaller than 30:1 is considered a
GREEN.


Any organic matter that a C:N ratio larger than 30:1 is considered a
BROWN.


Alfalfa Hay can be brown in color, but it is always a "GREEN", or
"NITROGEN" source because it's C:N ratio is around 12:1.


All Leaves can change from green, to orange, or to brown in color, but
they are usually always considered "BROWNS" or "CARBON" sources because
their C:N is on the average from 40:1 to 80:1. Evergreen leaves are
higher in carbons than most leaves. Deciduous leaves are best for
composting. Oak leaves (that is fresh green oak leaves, not the dry oak
leaves) are an exception. They can be classed as a GREEN and should be
added as a nitrogen material (Fresh Green Oak Leaves can have a C:N
ratio of 26:1).

  All animal manures, grass clippings, and food scraps are "GREENS".


All sawdusts, bark mulches, papers, and other wood products are
"BROWNS".


Most sugar products are considered "browns" because they have a C:N
ratio near 50:1. However all aerobic microbes love sugar as an quick,
easily digestible energy food. So by adding a little tea made from
molasses, sugar, syrups, or flat soft drinks, to your compost piles,
you will increase the microbial activity and internal heating of a
compost pile.


Just because an organic material has a C:N as a green or brown doesn't
mean it will always act like regular high nitrogen greens o
Plant a Row in your garden to feed the hungry. Join Plant A Row for the
Hungry. Ask me how. www.gwaa.org/Par/index.html






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Received on Wed Dec 15 2004 - 16:35:26 EST

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