So you're wanting to off-set the nitrogen tie-up of the wood by adding fertilizer? I think any nitrogen would work. Urea is cheap and probably the most cost-efficient answer.

I was wanting to try the idea with wood that was already most of the way to being rotten and hoping that the nitrogen tie-up would not be as much of a problem.

I don't suppose you know anyone with chicken coops? Chicken poop is high in nitrogen.

When I used woodchips to build a bed, I used a lot of coffee grinds. Starbucks will give them out, but you might be able to persuade a restaurant to save them for you.

Research recommends urea or green yard waste. (Geoff Lawton) My experience with inground h-beds in order of great results: rabbit poop because of ..well...just breaks down best (not tested), alfalfa, kitchen scraps. 50# bag of rabbit pellets @ stilly ag =$10 i like the pellets, get enough and a snap. Need use only sparingly but i havent had depleted soil, so application might need be heavier. Maybe urea more cost effective for your large area. Too bad grass is not available.

We bought rabbits from a huge place near perkins years ago. They had tons of poo. I have not been able to find it again.

Need not worry about nitro tie up in h beds unless you chop and dump the all green withina out a months time. If using green and rotted, mix well. Roots will find their way, especially in a roomy h bed.

Dont forget to ponder some molasses if its affordable and accessible. I find a little goes a long way. Cheap is good lol miracle stuff tho.

Thanks all,

That is just what I needed. My tree trimmings have been on the ground for about a year. They are fairly well decomposed.

I have the urea already, so that is what I'll use. Just a little though. Maybe a couple hands full per thirty square foot bed.