How to Compost and Use Manure
Composting horse manure is an excellent manure management technique for backyard or small farm horse owners. Collecting manure on a daily or semi-regular basis from stalls, paddocks and confinement areas for corn posting has several benefits:
it reduces the possibility of parasite reinfestation of your horse - the heat generated in the corn posting process kills worm eggs
it reduces flies by eliminating their breeding ground
it provides the owner with a free, easy source of compost for the yard, garden, pasture or horseless neighbors
it makes your property more pleasing for you and your neighbors to look at and enjoy
it reduces the chance of manure contaminated runoff from your property reaching the surface and ground waters of King County
This article provides information on how to build and use a horse manure corn posting system. This system is designed for a backyard or small farm with 1 to 5 horses. You can tailor your cornposting 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 have a large horse farm, or you have specific questions on setting up your composting system, call the King Conservation District at 425-226-4867.
First, select a site for your composter. Look for a high, level area on your property - don't put your cornposter in a low lying area or it will turn into a soggy mess. A location that's convenient to your stall and paddock areas will make the chore of cleaning up easier and less time consuming.
Next, decide on the number of bins needed. You will need at least two bins for 1 to 3 horses. Pile 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 composted material.
If you have more than 3 horses or want more storage capability, consider using a three-bin system. This allows you to have one bin where daily waste can be stored, another bin which is full and in the composting stage, and a third bin for the finished compost to be used at your leisure.
After you have decided where to put your corn poster, and how many bins you want, it's time to purchase materials. A two bin compost system can be built by one person in about 8 hours, at a cost of approximately $150.00 for materials. A list of materials and tools needed is included at the end of this article.
Compost management activities include tarping, turning, and watering. Like all living things, the micro-organisms which break down the manure and bedding require air and water. Too much or too little of each can cause problems.
Cover each of your bins with a tarp to prevent your manure piles from becoming soggy in the winter and too dried out in the summer. A tarp also prevents the nutrients you're trying to save for the garden from being washed out and contributing to surface acid ground water contamination.
Turning the compost-to-be allows oxygen to get to the bacteria and organisms which break down the manure into soil-like structures. How often the pile is turned determines how quickly the compost will be ready. However, unless you have access to a small tractor or enjoy a good work-out, turning the pile can be difficult. Air will permeate through the pile to a depth of about 3 feet. An easy way to get air to the center and avoid turning the pile frequently is to insert a couple of 4 inch PVC pipes into the center of the pile. Use a drill to put holes in the sides of the pipes. The pile will still need to be turned occasionally to get the manure on the outside into the center so the heat from the composting process can kill parasites and seeds.
Keep the manure pile about as damp as a rung out sponge. Water the pile with a garden hose when you turn it or use the PVC pipes mentioned above to get some moisture into the pile. You may want to consider laying down a soaker hose while the pile is building.
If you follow the above guidelines, your compost could be ready in as soon as 21 days! Depending how often you turn it and whether it stays damp, the composting process should take between one to three months. You will know when your compost is ready when the material looks evenly textured and crumbly like soil.
Compost is a rich soil enhancement which improves the health of both plants and soil. Compost improves the physical structure of soil, adds fertility and increases the ability of soil to hold moisture and plant nutrients. It can be added to the house plant potting soil, gardens, flower beds, lawns or pastures. Sprinkle a thin layer on your lawn or use it as a mulch to control weeds and retain moisture in the garden, flower areas or shrubs.
For two 3'x8'x8' bins, the following list of equipment and supplies are needed:50- 8' landscape timbers (or similar wood)
100 - 5/16"x5" lag screws
ratchet & socket set
plastic sheet/tarp to cover top
post hole digger or shovel
drill & bit
carpenter's level
power or hand saw
Repeat design for two or three stage system
Special Considerations:
place structure on high ground
turn pile frequently to speed composting
cover with a tarp
do not allow contents to get too wet or dry
Call the King Conservation District at (425) 277-5581 or e-mail if you have questions about manure management for your animals.
This handout was produced in cooperation with the following agencies:
King County Fair
King County Solid Waste Division
King Conservation District, Summer 1993
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