Horse Manure Compost The Renewable Resource. Dr Ann Swinker, Penn State University

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1 Horse Manure Compost The Renewable Resource Dr Ann Swinker, Penn State University

2 How Much?? Waste Space One 1,000 lbs. horse produces ~45 lbs. manure daily+ Bedding = 730 cubic feet/year of waste to manage per 1,000s of animal.

3 Manure Handling Site Consider topography and flood patterns when developing manure facilities. Not near streams Not in Flood-prone areas Not on steep hillsides Flat, impermeable, deep water table

4 Dry - Manure Storage Stock piled for future use Composting on site

5 Both Require a Storage Site Select a high dry spot Keep away from bodies of water Easily accessible Confine the pile Treat any runoff

6 Traditional Use of Manure

7 Commercial fertilizer vs. Manure Manure contains organic matter Organic matter is good for soil health & structure

8 Applying Manure/Bedding Fresh Improve the health of grass Apply according to soil test Good idea to keep animals off pasture for a few days When weather permits

9 Haul Off the Property Haul manure & stall waste off property PA Mushroom Growers contact with horse farms to remove manure and straw. Compost all stall waste

10 Composting Natural aerobic process for stabilizing organic matter Well composted manure has humus smell, 25-50% volume reduction, and destruction of pathogens and weed seeds due to heat of composting.

11 Simple, easy. Natural biological process. Recycling. Bio-secure. Environmentally sound. Low odor. Low fly production.

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13 Mechanical breakdown of large particles Increase surface area for microbes Feed on bacteria and fungi.

14 Microbial activity is related to availability of food source, surface area, moisture and oxygen availability.

15 Composting Principles

16 Cone Shaped Windrow

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18 Chimney effect

19 Unimproved Surface

20 Active vs. Passive Composting

21 Actively Compost Requires turning, moisture, oxygen, C:N

22 Properly composting manure Heats up to 145 degrees F can kill parasite eggs and weed seeds 22

23 C:N ratio Oxygen Content (Porosity) Moisture Content Temperature ph Particle Size

24 Active composting occurs in the temperature range of 50 o F to 160 o F Pile temperature may increase above 140 o F but this is too hot for most bacteria and decomposition will slow until temperature decreases again. Remember, Compost pile heat is the direct result of microbial metabolism!!!

25 Supply of total carbon compared to total nitrogen in compost pile. If C:N is too high the compost process will slow. If C:N is too low, more likely to lose Nitrogen as ammonia gas or in leaching. Ideal initial C:N mixture range is 20 30:1. Very important!

26 Temperature (F) Active Phase Curing Phase Thermophilic Mesophilic Weeks of Composting

27 Need Oxygen for most efficient process. 21% oxygen in air. 5%-10% is optimal for compost process. <5% process slows. As pile heats more oxygen will be consumed by microbes.

28 40-65% moisture range 0% Optimal conditions for microbes 50-65% 100 % Too Dry Too Wet

29 Fungi ( ) Bacteria ( )

30 C:N Ratio - 20 to 30:1 % Moisture % Oxygen % ph (acceptable) Particle size - 1/4 to 3 inches Temperature o F

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32 ixed sizes are preferred. Wood shavings ideal.

33 Solid Manure Storage Covered facilities Tarp may provide cover with less cost and more labor Stack or stockpile in a well-drained area for later hauling Regulations may require runoff control

34 Choosing a Manure Storage Facility Land application methods, Type of bedding Hauling, distances, volume Space and size requirements Treatment Common Since!!

35 Design system to fit your goals Storage area? Consult NRCS

36 Manure Compost Bin Two Bin Composter

37 Economy Model

38 Size Matters

39 Other Uses of Composted Horse Manure

40 Landscaping - Gardening

41 Riding Arena Footing

42 Compost- Use on Sustainable Trails as Footing

43 Mortality Compost Management

44 Animal bedding Waste feed Manure Straw Wood shavings, sawdust, woodchips Others?

45 For large animals

46 Land apply after 90 more days Six months total or use on new composting row

47 Bones from immature animals degrade quickly and can be land applied. Big bones from mature animals may need to be picked out.

48 Factors Affecting Odor Release and Dispersion 1. Wind speed 2. Area 3. Source concentration 1. Temperature 2. Wind speed 3. Topography

49 Summary - Manure Management Each farm should have a plan for managing manure spreading and disposal. Store manure in a dry, level, impermeable location free from storm-water runoff. Manage storm-water to prevent manure contamination of water and eliminate runoff. Actively compost manure and bedding Control animal access to manure pile sites. Visual out of sight-out of mind

50 Questions????