Regarding Wood Chip Humus

Question

I have a large pile of completely broken down wood chips that is dark black. I’ve seen opinions from one end of the spectrum to the other and am wondering if you could clarify for me. I’ve read that completely broken down humus is inert and only good for soil structure and I’ve read that it is full of things like nitrogen, phosphorus, magnesium etc. Could you please help me understand which it is? Thank you so much in advance!

Answer 1

It will be considered a "brown" compost material. It is a good add-in, but requires "green" material, as well. You could mix it with composted "green" materials, however.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/composting/ingredients/composting-wood-chips.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/composting/ingredients/browns-greens-compost.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/composting/basics