Agriculture & Farming
Compost Calculator
Calculate the optimal ratio of brown to green materials for your compost pile and estimate compost production.
Enter the weight of your green and brown materials to see results
Related to Compost Calculator
The compost calculator helps you achieve the optimal balance between brown (carbon-rich) and green (nitrogen-rich) materials in your compost pile. It calculates the brown-to-green ratio and estimates the amount of finished compost you can expect from your materials.
Brown Materials (Carbon-Rich)
Examples include dry leaves, straw, paper, cardboard, wood chips, and sawdust. These materials provide carbon, which gives your compost pile its energy source and creates the right structure for decomposition.
Green Materials (Nitrogen-Rich)
Examples include grass clippings, kitchen scraps, coffee grounds, and fresh plant materials. These materials provide nitrogen, which helps microorganisms grow and break down the compost materials.
The calculator provides three key metrics to help you create and maintain the perfect compost pile: the brown-to-green ratio, total material weight, and estimated compost yield.
Brown-to-Green Ratio
The ideal ratio is between 25:1 and 30:1 (brown to green). This ratio provides the optimal conditions for microorganisms to break down the materials efficiently. If your ratio is outside this range, follow the calculator's recommendations to adjust your mixture.
Estimated Compost Yield
The calculator estimates that about 40% of your original material weight will become finished compost. This is because during the composting process, materials break down and lose mass through water evaporation and the release of carbon dioxide.
1. How long does it take for materials to become compost?
The composting process typically takes 2-12 months, depending on factors like material size, moisture content, temperature, and how often you turn the pile. With optimal conditions and regular maintenance, you can have finished compost in about 2-3 months.
2. What materials should I avoid putting in my compost?
Avoid meat, dairy, oils, diseased plants, chemically treated wood products, glossy or colored paper, and pet waste. These materials can attract pests, introduce harmful pathogens, or contain chemicals that may contaminate your compost.
3. How can I speed up the composting process?
To speed up composting, chop materials into smaller pieces, maintain proper moisture (like a wrung-out sponge), turn the pile regularly to provide oxygen, and ensure a good balance of green and brown materials as calculated by this tool.
4. Why is my compost pile not breaking down?
Common reasons include incorrect brown-to-green ratio, insufficient moisture, lack of oxygen, or pieces that are too large. Use this calculator to check your materials ratio, and ensure proper moisture and aeration by turning the pile regularly.
5. What is the scientific source for this calculator?
This calculator is based on established composting principles from agricultural science and research by cooperative extension services. The optimal carbon-to-nitrogen (C:N) ratio of 25-30:1 is derived from studies by Cornell University's Composting Program and the US Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service guidelines for composting. The estimated compost yield of 40% is based on research from the University of Illinois Extension's Composting for the Homeowner program, which shows that finished compost typically yields 30-50% of the original material volume due to decomposition and moisture loss.