What are the implications of using maize-cobs for mulching? Does it rob the soils of its nitrogen?
In addition, corncobs are higher in carbon than is ideal. With an average carbon to nitrogen ratio of almost 100 to 1, corn cobs aren't as close to the 30 to 1 ideal as leaves, straw or hay. Methods Lay down corn husks and cornstalks on the ground before adding other materials, if you have them on hand when you're building your compost pile.
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The corn cobs stems and leaves will not decompose readily they can be used for mulching.
The nitrogen robbing is mainly if the materials are incorporated into the soil.
Surface mulch can provide moisture retention and weed control as well as lowering the soil temperature which can be favor in a high tempeature environment.
The high carbon materials can by mixed with manure 3 maize to 1 maize by vluence and composted.
The composted material will be able to provide nitrogen based on the low carbon to nitrogen ration of the stabilized compost material.
Raw manures are also able to produce nitrogen for the maize corn.
@ Joseph, yes maize-cobs may rob the nitrogen from soil as its C:N ratio is near 100:1, it may not be advisable for mulching. But maize cobs are highly fibrous product with many agricultural and industrial applications. In agriculture, it can be used for fuel, litter for poultry and other animals, and as fodder for ruminants despite their low nutritive value (Evers et al., 1994; Jansen, 2012).
Yes, I fully agree with Paul, to remove excess N you may very well use as mulching.
Thank you everyone for your input. I gather it that the C:N ratio for maize cobs renders it unsuitable for use as a mulching material in the absence of any other amendment such as the incorporation chicken manure with a C:N ratio less than 10:1. It might make sense fertilizing a plot with chicken manure before mulching with maize cobs.
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