Tag: Carbon to nitrogen ratio

According to the USDA-NRCS, for every 1% of organic matter added to the top 6 inches of soil, the water-holding capacity can increase by 16,500 gallons per acre. While this and other benefits paint a positive picture, the question of whether organic matter is good or bad depends heavily on its type, quantity, and application method.

Sawdust contains very low levels of plant nutrients, with its elemental composition dominated by carbon. So, does sawdust have nutrients that can directly feed your garden? The answer is more complex, as the material's effect on soil health depends entirely on how it is used.