Got Poop? Part 2 - Composting: An alternative manure management program

In Part 1 of Got Poop? series we discussed the need for manure management and offered some resources for planning and removing manure.  If you missed it, you can catch up here (link to ARTICLE:  Got Poop?  Part 1 - Manure Management) for the full scoop on poop.  

Composting is an excellent way to not only manage manure in an environmentally-friendly way, but it has direct benefits to you as a landowner and/or business owner.  Depending on how many horses you have on your property, there is a method that can work for you.  There’s a lot to learn about composting manure. For example, you’ll need to consider the type of bedding you’re using to help minimize the amount of bedding and therefore the time to compost (they can go hand-in-hand). There’s also a lot to gain from composting manure. Not only is it environmentally responsible, but it can be a useful additive to your landscape and may serve as an additional revenue stream for your property.

There is an initial investment in time and money with composting. Comparing cost to manure removal over the long-term will help determine your financial viability of the composting buildout.  Keep in mind, once the system is set, composting is truly the gift that keeps on giving. Benefits of composting include: 

• Improved horse health

• Added convenience and aesthetics

• Healthy soil

• Healthier environment

  • Water

  • Fish & shellfish

  • Conserve natural resources

• Useable and sellable end product

Composting is not one-size fits all.  There are different types of compost piles for different size properties and/or number of horses. You’ll need to assess your property and decide on your financial investment to determine the best fit for you.

Types of Composting Piles

• Passive composting - small farms (1-5 horses)

• Turned piles - 3 piles, 1 fresh manure, 1 composting pile, one ready to use - 30x30 pad can easily house all 3 piles.

• Aerated Static Piles - Considerable investment, but good for large number of horses and creating sellable compost

Dig in here to get the full scoop on the benefits of composting.  When we can do right by our horses, our investment, our water supply and have a usable and saleable product, it all makes sense, doesn’t it? 

Benefits of Composting:  Guide to Composting Horse Manure - Washington State University Cooperative Extension:  A Guide to Composting Horse Manure 

As always, be sure to check with your county for approved manure removal and composting practices.

Happy poop, happy life? Is that a saying? Maybe not, I’m not sure…but I do wish you well on your journey and am happy to help you answer your questions.