I'm interested in determining the carbon to nitrogen ratio of a woody material that may in due course be applied to an agricultural field. I know that ideal ratio is ca 24:1. I think that's total C and total N, but can't find a definitive answer!
So I'm not sure if it's methods to measure total C, or just organic C that I should be looking into. Any help appreciated. Thanks.
Very intelligently placed question. Yes , when you are talking plant C: N ratio , it always refers to total C: total N. But if it addresses to soil , it is invariably organic N : total N . Why is 8t so?.It could be a debatable issue ?
Ms Crockatt, I am confused. The C:N ratio with which I am familiar refers to total N and total C. But isn't all the C in an organic material by definition organic? What other kind would there be? Do you mean available and non-available (i.e., lignin) carbon?
It is total carbon : total nitrogen will be taken to calculate C:N ratio of soils and organics.
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