Isn’t it amazing how fast your manure heap becomes a mountain? What can you do
with it? First, stop and realize that your manure is a valuable resource for
someone, if not for you. Treat it as such, and find a way to put it to good
use -- use it, sell it, or give it away.
Horse waste generally contains some type of bedding material along with the
manure. Bedding type and quantity may vary greatly from farm to farm. In
Connecticut, the most common bedding used is wood shavings or sawdust. Wood
products can take months or years to break down. When applied to plants or
crops in a raw, uncomposted form, it can actually do more harm than good.
Consider composting your waste before utilizing it. (See
Composting fact sheet)
- When utilizing uncomposted waste on crops and hay fields, keep in mind:
- Nitrogen depletion of the soil may occur as bedding materials are broken
down by microorganisms. Nitrogen fertilizer may need to be added to
counteract this effect.
- Smothering of grasses may occur if waste is applied too thickly.
- Parasite eggs in uncomposted manure may cause an infestation problem on
pastures. Maintain a good de-worming program for your animals.
- One 1,000 pound horse will excrete 9 tons of manure per year, which will
provide 102 lbs. of nitrogen, 18 lbs. of phosphorus, and 69 lbs. of
potassium for crop growth. Disposal of manure may be necessary if you do not
have fields on which to spread it. Remember that composting the manure will
make it a more attractive commodity to potential takers. Some may be willing
to pay for it.
Consider the following disposal options:
- Rent a dumpster and have it hauled away on a regular basis by a
sanitation company.
- Arrange to have a local farmer or landscaper remove it on a regular
schedule, or bring it to them. (If bringing it to them, consider using some
type of truck or dump trailer as your portable manure storage container.)
- Friends, family, and neighbors may be willing to take it for use in
gardens or landscaping.
- Form a manure cooperative in your area. Is there a compost facility in
your area that would welcome horse waste? Is there an entrepreneur who might
want to start one? Are there others who may be interested in doing the
hauling to the facility? Talk to other horse owners. You are not the only
one with this need.
Contacts
Mark Cummings - (203)
269-7509, Ext. 301
Kathleen Johnson -
(860) 626-8258, Ext. 200
Barbara Alexander - (860)
871-4046
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