Last month we talked about the importance of having a manure management system. This month we will discuss how to build and manage a horse manure composting system. Next month we will cover how to manage it. This simple design is meant for use in a small farm situation for folks with 1 to 5 horses who are not using a tractor. You can tailor your composting system to meet your needs depending on how many horses you have, the amount and type of bedding material you use, and how you plan to use the finished compost. If you plan to use a tractor you will need a sturdier design and probably a cement pad. You can contact one of the resources agencies listed in Part III for additional design help.

BUILDING A MANURE COMPOSTING SYSTEM

l. Select a site for your composter. Look for a high, level area on your property -- don't put your composter in a low-lying area or it will turn into a soggy mess. Remember you must locate your composter far away from creeks, ditches, wetlands or other water bodies - you can check with local authorities for specific regulations on this. Choose an area according to your zoning regulations to avoid zoning issues or problems with neighbors. Stay away from locating your compost system along property lines. A location that's convenient to your stall and paddock areas will make the chore of cleaning up easier and less time consuming.

2. Decide on the number of bins you'll need. You will need at least two bins, and maybe a third for convenience. A two-bin system works by piling manure and stall wastes in one bin. When that bin is full allow it to compost and start filling the second bin. Once the first bin is done composting you can start using the finished compost material. For convenience or if you have several horses you may want to consider going to three bins. This allows one bin for the daily stall wastes, another bin that is full and in the composting stage, and a third bin for the finished compost to be removed and used at your leisure.

3. Purchase materials. A list of materials and tools needed is included at the end of this article. It costs about $150 per bin for materials depending on the type of wood you use and their costs in your area. Feel free to improvise and experiment by choosing materials available in your area that will work for you and your situation.

4. Build the bins. Following the design in this article, one person can easily build this compost bin system in a weekend.

Stay tuned and good horsekeeping to you.

For three 4'x 8'x 8' bins the following list of equipment and supplies are needed:

SUPPLIES
8 - 8' 6"x6" treated posts
40 - 4' 2"x2" treated boards
110 - 8' landscape timbers (or similar wood) chain saw or hand saw
160 - 3" deck screws

EQUIPMENT
drill with screwdriver head & drill bit
25' tape measure
carpenter's level
post hole digger
tarp (or plastic sheet) to cover top of each bin tamping rod or similar tool

NOTE: number of landscape timbers will depend on the type and width of the timbers you purchase and how tall you wish to make your bins.

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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.

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