What's the best compost mix?

Question:

Answers:
The organic material composted may provide either energy or bulk, or a combination of these two properties.

Energy materials provide nitrogen and high-energy carbon components. These usually have a high moisture content, such as grass clippings, fresh manure, and garden trimmings. Sometimes called the "green" materials.

Bulking agents help keep the compost pile aerated. These usually are dry, and include materials such as wood chips, dried grass hay, and sawdust. Sometimes called the "brown" materials.

Balanced raw materials have both energy and bulking properties. These have low to medium moisture, and include materials such as ground-up tree or shrub trimmings, horse manure with the bedding, and deciduous leaves.

A balance between energy and bulking materials will give the best results. A mixture of one part energy sources and two parts bulking materials is a good mix for fast composting.