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<\/p>\nThis organic material includes grass clippings, leaves, vegetable food scraps, newspaper, cardboard, and vegetarian animal manure.<\/p>\n
Manure management on horse farms is an important part of farm operation.\u00a0 If left in a pile manure will decompose on it\u2019s own but could take years.\u00a0 One way to speed up the process, and take advantage of manure as fertilizer, is to compost the manure. \u00a0 Correct composting of manure requires moisture, air, appropriate C:N (carbon : nitrogen) ratios, temperature, and choosing the best system for your set-up.<\/p>\n
Sufficient water provides soluble nutrients for the microbes necessary for composting.\u00a0 In most cases a moisture content of 45-55% will result in efficient breakdown of the organic material.\u00a0 Moisture is continuously lost by evaporation so depending on your geographic location the amount of water added to ensure proper composting will vary.\u00a0 A consistent moisture content is incredibly important to avoid the decomposing of organic material from shutting down prematurely.<\/p>\n
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Microbes require oxygen to break down the organic materials.\u00a0 If the compost pile gets too compacted a lack of oxygen will turn the pile anaerobic.\u00a0 To avoid this the horse manure should be mixed with bulk materials, such as straw, leaves or hay, and\/or lawn clippings (all free of pesticides).\u00a0 A perforated PVC pipe can also be inserted into the center of the pile to allow air flow.<\/p>\n
The C:N ratio is also an important factor in a composting system.\u00a0 Carbon is a main source of energy used by microbes.\u00a0 They also need nitrogen to form proteins.\u00a0 The challenge is to have the correct ratio of the two for successful composting.\u00a0 Carbon is found in bedding material, but too much bedding material mixed in with manure can slow the process.\u00a0 Lawn clippings and yard waste are high in Nitrogen so it\u2019s important to add those to your compost pile as well.\u00a0 Nitrogen speeds up the composting process and improves the compost quality.<\/p>\n
During decomposition heat is given off which creates an ideal environment for microorganisms to break down the organic material.\u00a0 The optimum temperature for this is between 130 – 150 degrees.\u00a0 Pathogens, weed seeds, and fly larvae will be destroyed at roughly 140 degrees.\u00a0 At temperatures above 160 degrees microorganisms will die which is why it\u2019s essential to regulate the oxygen and temperature levels in your compost pile.\u00a0 Record the internal temperature by inserting a thermometer 2 feet down from the top into the side of your pile.\u00a0 Repeat\u00a0this is several locations to get an average.\u00a0 When you create your compost pile you\u2019ll want to record temperatures daily for the first week, then twice-weekly after that.\u00a0 Decreasing temperatures may indicate declining oxygen levels, less than optimal moisture content, and\/or inadequate nitrogen levels for microbes.\u00a0 You can turn your compost pile every 4-5 weeks and begin recording temperatures again.<\/p>\n
There are a large number of composting systems to research, ranging from custom bin systems for your large horse farm or \u2018do-it-yourself\u2019 systems if you have a smaller operation.\u00a0 The number of animals you have, the space and equipment you have available, and how intensely you plan to manage your compost pile are all factors that go into choosing a system.\u00a0 Composting your horse\u2019s manure is a great option for waste management and results in an excellent fertilizer to use around your farm!<\/p>\n
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