Got Poop? Part 1 - Manure Management
Talking to as many horse property owners as I do, it’s clear that owning and operating a horse boarding and/or training facility is a labor of love. While the land itself is a great long-term investment (huge benefit!!), the day-to-day work and month-to-month expenses are a lot. This wasn’t always the case, but expenses have grown considerably over the years and one of those big expenses is manure removal.
Plain and simple, improper manure management can quickly become an environmental hazard. Run off from piles of manure and soaked shavings can create water quality problems not just for your property and its adjoining creeks, but for the entire watershed. Improper manure management can increase nitrate levels, lead to bacterial contamination, attract flies and other pests and, of course, there’s always the odor issue. Large manure piles can also create significant methane (greenhouse gas) and disrupt the return of nutrients to the soil.
Today, horse property ownership requires a manure management program. There are benefits for you as the landowner, your horses (all your four legged friends) and the environment. Benefits of implementing a comprehensive waste management plan include:
Healthier environment for horses
Cleaner and safer work areas
Utilization of manure as a soil amendment
Protect creeks and streams
Reduce waste volume
Reduce odors
Reduce insect breeding opportunities
Reduce neighbor complaints
A complete plan includes:
Collection
Storage
Control drainage
Utilization
Disposal
For all the details to consider to create or improve your manure management program, here is a comprehensive resource: Horse Manure Management - Council of Bay Area Resource Conservation Districts in cooperation with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and the University of California Cooperative Extension.
Manure management probably isn’t one of your favorite topics to consider or implement, but it is a necessary one. When we can do right by our horses, our investment, and our water supply it all makes sense, doesn’t it?
As always, be sure to check with your county for approved manure removal and composting practices.
Keep a look out for part 2 of this series, The REAL Scoop on Poop: Composting!