C:N ratio

January 12, 2020
  • C:N ratio is a ratio of the mass of carbon -to- nitrogen in a substance.
  • A  ratio of 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 CN 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.
  • CN ratio of arable soil is 8:1 to 15:1. Varies little due to climatic conditions temperature and rainfall.