Jabo should do (and does) fine in a a woody medium.
yes, it has to be composted, or it will rob nitrogen from the soil.
ive seen some people just add more Nitrogen
(personally, i think this is a terrible idea)
i add as little chemicals as possible, so i try to get my soil just right.
Jabo is woody and therefore likes a fungally dominant soil
i get huge bags of sawdust from a cabinet maker.
i use it as mulch, and will pour fish emulsion on it.
bacteria/fungi attack it, and release nutrients.
the stuff disappears in months in the heat.
i often mix it with grass clippings and coffee grounds.