When they decay, nitrogen from the surrounding soil is used and the plants become starved for nitrogen. For best results, wood byproducts should be composted first before being added as a soil amendment. Very coarse wood products should be used only for mulching. Nitrogen addition to wood byproducts. Nitrogen source Fertilizer per volume of material Bushel Cubic yard 1,000 sq.
Wood ash is strongly alkaline, containing mostly lime and potassium.
It is a soil conditioner only in the manner of limestone and is most useful in treating strongly acid soils. Dried sewage sludge is often available from sewage treatment plants. Its composition and nutrients vary with the source and the disposal process. Most sludge available in bulk form is lower in nutrients than manure. It is similar to peat for improving soil texture and should be used at the same rates as peat or composted manure.