If you care for horses on your own place then you have, no doubt, wondered about what to do with that huge mound of manure and stall waste generated by your horse. In fact, one horse can create a serious pile in no time -- one horse produces about 50 lbs. of manure per day, over eight tons per year. Add to that the 8 - 10 gallons of urine a horse generates and the wheelbarrow or more of bedding you use and in no time at all you will have a virtual manure mountain! That is a whole lot of space that you could probably use for a lot more interesting things than manure storage.
In Part 1 of this 3 part series I will talk about the problems associated with not having a manure management program and I will discuss the benefits of composting. Next month I will cover how to build a simple 3-section compost bin for backyard operations. In the last of our series I'll cover how to manage this system and I'll provide you with additional resources.
There are other concerns for the mismanaged manure pile as well -- horses allowed to graze near their own manure are quickly reinfested by larva that hatch from the worm eggs. Runoff from soggy manure piles can cause serious surface and ground water contamination problems and in many areas there are ordinances that strictly control these issues. Then there are the associated odor and fly problems. If you live close to others, this may concern your neighbors as well.
Composting horse manure is an excellent manure management technique, especially useful for backyard or small farm owners. Larger horse facilities or those using equipment (tractors) to manage their composting process can also develop a composting system. Design help for larger operations and additional manure management assistance is available from your local Conservation District, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service or your county cooperative extension office. Individual consultants may also be able to help you assess your manure management options and resources.
The benefits of composting horse manure are many and include:
· Reducing the possibility of parasite reinfestation in your horse -- the heat generated in the composting process kills worm eggs as well as pathogens and weed seeds.
· Reducing flies by eliminating their breeding ground.
· Reducing odors -- a properly managed compost pile should smell "earthy" and pleasant.
· Reducing the volume of material you have piled up -- the composting process will reduce the size of the pile by about 50% (this will take about 2 to 4 months).
· Providing you with a free, easy source of compost -- a valuable soil amendment for your pastures, garden or yard. Your horseless neighbors may find it a valuable commodity as well!
· Reducing the chance of manure-contaminated runoff from your property reaching surface or ground waters in your area.
· Making your property more pleasing for you and your neighbors to look at and enjoy.
Part II of this series will show you how to build a simple 3-bin composting system that you can manage without the aid of a tractor.
Until next time, good horsekeeping to you.
------------------------------
Alayne Renee Blickle, a life-long equestrian and creator/director of Horses for Clean Water, is an environmental educator working with horse and livestock owners. Contact Alayne by email at ARBlickle@aol.com or visit the HCW website at www.horsesforcleanwater.com.
------------------------------
Join HCW at the Following June 2003 FREE Events:
Horse Farm Tour - Wednesday, June 11th, 6:30 - 9pm. Visit a Redmond, WA horse farm with mudless paddocks, compost bins and productive pastures. Learn the latest on solving urine smells in paddocks. FREE! King Conservation District, 206-764-3410 ext 130.
Spring Horse Farm Management Series - Tuesday, June 3rd, 6:30-9pm. Wildlife enhancement, natural insect control, controlling unwanted wildlife & insects, landscaping using native plants & more! Bellingham, WA. FREE! Whatcom Conservation District, 360-354-2035.
