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- CN ratio is a ratio of the mass of carbon -to- nitrogen in a substance.
- If it is 5:1 means 5 units of carbon for each unit of nitrogen in the substance.
- C:N ratio affects the decomposition of organic matter in the soil and also the crop nutrient cycling.
- C: N is used for predicting the rate of decomposition of organic matter.
- when C:N ratio is low Co2 evolution increases and consequently decaying increases.
- A wide C: N ratio or low nitrogen slow down the decaying process.
- legumes decompose rapidly due to high nitrogen content.
- it is important in controlling the available nitrogen.
- when decay occurs the CN ratio of the remains decreases as carbon is lost.
- For arable soil, it is 8:1 to 15:1. Varies little due to climatic conditions temperature and rainfall.
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