if i add a lot of compose to my soil, must i add nitrogen at the same time?

Answer 1

That's a bit tricky . . . since compost becomes compost by the infusing of nitrogen already . . . the microorganisms that break down materials in a compost pile must already have the right mix of carbon and nitrogen in the right proportions to develop the compost. Too much nitrogen will make the compost pile smell ammonia-like . . . too much carbon depletes the nitrogen. Since you asked "MUST" you add nitrogen, the answer is no, unless of course the compost was "home-made" and you are unsure of the nitrogen content. Adding more nitrogen (in moderation) can't hurt since nitrogen is needed for vigorous (strong) growth, good leaf color, and photosynthesis.

Answer 2

It depends. If you have added lots of fully decomposed compost, no, unless you want to encourage leafy green growth.

Here's the deal; if you put a lot of leaves from trees or shrubs into your soil, they will bind up the available nitrogen. This nitrogen is needed by the microorganisms that break down the organic material. If there is a lot of available nitrogen, then things proceed quickly, and as the decomposition continues to completion, the bound up nitrogen is released back into the soil. If there isn't a lot available, the decomposition only proceeds as the bound nitrogen is released, so the soil stays nitrogen poor longer. If you add nitrogen, things will proceed faster, and there will be nitrogen available for plant growth sooner. If you have excess nitrogen, both processes can proceed at the same time, but as the bound up nitrogen is released you may get lots of excess free nitrogen that will encourage leafy growth, but may interfere with flowering or fruit production (tomatoes, for example), and may cause some nitrates to leach into the local ground water.

So it depends on the timing, the composition of the compost, and your intended effect on whatever crop you are growing.

Answer 3

Compost will add nitrogen to the soil along with other important nutrients, but it is low compared to fertilizer that comes in a bag. It is slower acting but improves the soil. To answer your question you would add nitrogen if the compost is not totally broken down or if you are boosting a new plant's growth. If you are adding for the winter and the garden is resting, the compost has a chance to break down and will make your soil easier to work and help to conserve water. Add it!

Answer 4

you should add a lot of lime first then nitrogen close to growing season because nitrogen only last for ninety days at the most. you add the lime because it adds calcum to the soil which gives the plants the ability to utilize the nutritents in the soil and fertlizer

Answer 5

compost is nitrogen but some folkes like to use a balanced fertilizer on top of enhanced soil or use composted manure in the soil and compost and a little sand for drainage and to loosen the soil for root growth ,,