If you care for horses on your own place, you have probably wondered at some time, what you should do with that huge mound of manure piling up behind the barn. Did you know that one horse produces about 50 pounds of manure per day, or over eight tons per year?  Add the 8 to 10 gallons of urine a horse generates daily and the wheelbarrow or more of bedding you use each day and in no time you will have a virtual manure mountain. That can take up a whole lot of space that you would probably enjoy using for far more interesting things than manure storage!

In the first part of this 4 part series we will discuss the problems associated with not having a manure management program and we’ll cover the benefits of composting. Next month we present plans for building a simple bin system for backyard operations. In part 3, we’ll show you how to manage the system. In the last part of this series we’ll provide additional resources.

The Problems of Mismanaged Manure

There are many concerns for the mismanaged manure pile – besides wasted space. Horses allowed to graze near their own manure are quickly reinfested by larvae that hatch from worm eggs recently shed in manure. Odor and fly problems can be a concern to neighbors. Plus, runoff from soggy manure piles can cause serious water quality issues for creeks and wetlands as well as for drinking water. Many areas of the Northwest have ordinances in place that strictly control these water quality issues.

Composting horse manure is an excellent manure management technique that backyard and small acreage horse owners may find beneficial. The Horses for Clean Water bin design we’ll provide in this series can be managed without a tractor or fancy equipment. Larger horse facilities and those with tractors can also develop a composting system. In these cases design help and additional assistance is available from your local Conservation District, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service or your county cooperative extension office. Individual consultants, such as Horses for Clean Water, may also be able to help you assess your manure management options, equipment and resources.

Benefits of Composting Horse Manure

·   Reduces the possibility of parasite reinfestation in your horse - the heat generated in the composting process kills worm eggs as well as disease pathogens and weed seeds.

·   Reduces flies by eliminating their breeding ground.

·   Reduces odors - A properly managed compost pile should smell “earthy” and pleasant.

·   Reduces the volume of material you have piled up - the composting process will decrease the size of the pile by about 50% (takes about 2 to 4 months).

·   Provides a free, easy source of compost - an important soil amendment for your pastures, garden or yard. Your horseless neighbors may find it a valuable commodity as well!

·   Saves money – over the course of a year the manure one horse produces is worth around $200 to $350 (maybe more!) in compost.

·   Reduces the chance of manure-contaminated runoff from your property reaching surface or ground waters in your area.

·   Makes your property more pleasing for you and your neighbors to look at and enjoy.

Compost is a precious soil amendment infused with micro and macronutrients that work in a time-release fashion. It adds “life” to soils in terms of beneficial bacteria and fungi. Academic research shows that compost makes plants healthier and more disease resistant and just one single application of compost can have benefits lasting five or more years. Compost also helps hold moisture; very important for helping your pastures survive a summer drought!