The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential nutrient availability in coffee-pulp compost, vermicompost, and a compost made from chicken manure, soil, charcoal, and coffee parchment and mucilage (coffee-waste). Decomposition rate and the release of N, P, K, and Mg were evaluated during 209 days using decomposition bags placed under the crowns of coffee plants During the composting process, more than 50% of the initial nutrient content was lost. At the end of the two-month composting period, composts differed significantly in the degree of decomposition or maturity. Vermicompost was the most mature and coffee-pulp compost the least mature. In the field, coffee-pulp compost lost the most dry matter (36%), because of its lower decomposition rate; it also released the highest amounts of N (37%), P (61%), K (98%), Ca (22%), and Mg (42%) during the 209 days. Although the mixed compost had the highest initial P content, less P was released, probably due to the fixation of P on clay particles added to the mixture. The rate of K release was positively correlated with initial content.