Hemp hurd and wood shavings differ significantly in composting due to their composition, structure, and decomposition rate:
1. Carbon-to-Nitrogen Ratio (C:N Ratio)
• Hemp Hurd: Has a lower C:N ratio (~100:1), which makes it decompose faster than most wood products.
• Wood Shavings: Have a high C:N ratio (~400:1), making them slower to break down unless balanced with nitrogen-rich materials (greens).
2. Lignin Content
• Hemp Hurd: Contains less lignin than wood, which means microbes can break it down more easily.
• Wood Shavings: High in lignin, making them more resistant to microbial breakdown and longer lasting in compost.
3. Absorption & Texture
• Hemp Hurd: Highly absorbent, light, and fluffy. Helps aerate compost and retain moisture.
• Wood Shavings: Also absorbent, but can mat down and create anaerobic pockets if overused.
4. Compost Quality
• Hemp Hurd: Breaks down into rich, friable compost more quickly, contributing to soil structure.
• Wood Shavings: Can contribute to acidic or imbalanced compost if not managed carefully.
Summary:
• If you’re aiming for faster decomposition and better microbial activity, hemp hurd is superior in compost.
• Wood shavings are useful but require more time and nitrogen to break down properly.
Would you like a composting guide using hemp hurd?
Wood shavings rob Nitrogen until they are completely broken down ( long time ) Hempost offers all of the benefits of a manure based compost without the problems of wood shavings.
Hemp herd, the center of the hemp plant or bine is a softer, more absorbent, and higher nitrogen element in the compost process. Because we source manure from animals bedded in hemp herd our “Hempost”
Is a superior product to wood, or wood shavings based compost. We give our mix a special boost from our towns food scraps to provide extra energy and nutrients.
Wood is hard, and takes a long time to mellow out.
Hemp? We all know the answer…
*elemental in the compost process
Ohh also insert and food waste from our renowned Farmers market