The carbon/nitrogen (C/N) ratio of an organic fertilizer is an indicator of the degree of evolution of organic matter and its capacity to decompose more or less quickly in the soil.

It is essential to understand that the soil is a living system full of microorganisms that carry out physical, chemical, and biological reactions, which are influenced by several factors, including the carbon-nitrogen (C/N) ratio.

Soils with a high C/N ratio:

A much higher amount of carbon than nitrogen slows down the decomposition of organic matter. Microorganisms consume nitrogen from the soil to balance their metabolism, delaying the availability of nutrients for plants. This is common in degraded soils or those with an accumulation of organic matter with low nitrogen content.

Soils with a low C/N ratio:

This means there is more nitrogen available in relation to carbon, favoring a rapid mineralization of nitrogen, releasing it in forms that are absorbable by plants. These soils are more fertile and biologically active. However, it can also indicate depleted soils with low organic matter, limiting their ability to sustain long-term microbial activity.

In various amendments and organic fertilizers, the C/N ratio is an indicator of the degree of evolution of organic matter and its capacity to decompose more or less quickly in the soil.

The proper choice of an organic and/or organo-mineral fertilizer, with the ideal C/N ratio, ensures that plants and microorganisms proliferate with the right levels of carbon and nitrogen, promoting efficient metabolism and healthy development. This guarantees soil fertility and long-term crop sustainability.

At Agricotec^® we formulate organic and organo-mineral fertilizers from composted organic matter at the optimal agronomic time for its application to the soil, helping your crops achieve maximum yield.