Summer is
the perfect time for construction projects and a key management component for
horse properties is having something useful to do with horse manure. Composting
is my favorite technique and while there are many bin designs and ideas for how
to compost, here is one low-tech option, best suited for small properties with
one to three horses.
Look for a
high, level area on your property – don’t put your composter in a low-lying
area or it will turn into a soggy mess. Remember you must locate your composter
far away from creeks, ditches, wetlands or other water bodies – you can check
with local authorities for specific regulations on this. Choose a location
that’s convenient to your stall and paddock areas to make the chore of cleaning
up easier and less time consuming.
1. Select a site
You will need at least two bins,
maybe a third for convenience. A two-bin system works by piling 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 finished compost material. For convenience or if you have several
horses you may want to consider going to three bins. This allows one bin for
the daily stall wastes, another bin that is full and in the composting stage,
and a third bin for the finished compost to be removed and used at your
leisure.
2. Figure out how many bins you need
A list of materials and tools needed
is included. It costs about $300 per bin for materials depending on the type of
wood you use and the cost in your area. Feel free to improvise and experiment
by choosing materials available in your area, which will work for you and your
situation.
3. Purchase materials
For three adjacent 8-foot x
8-foot x 4-foot bins, the following supplies and equipment are needed:
Supplies:
8 – 8' x 6"x 6" treated
posts
110 – 8' landscape timbers (or similar wood)
160 – 3" deck screws
Tarp (or plastic sheet) to cover top of each bin
Heavy items or straps to attach tarp to bins
Equipment:
Drill with screwdriver head and
drill bit
25' tape measure
Drill with screwdriver head and drill bit
Chain saw or hand saw
Carpenter’s level
Post hole digger
Tamping rod or similar tool
ABOUT
THE AUTHOR
Alayne
Alayne Renée Blickle, a life-long
equestrian and reining competitor, is the creator/director of Horses for Clean
Water, an award winning, nationally acclaimed environmental education program.
Well known for her enthusiastic, down-to-earth approaches, Alayne is an
educator and photojournalist who has worked with horse and livestock owners for
over 15 years teaching manure composting, pasture management, mud and dust
control, water conservation, chemical use reduction and wildlife enhancement.
She teaches and travels North America and
writes for horse publications. Alayne and her husband raise and train their
reining horses at their ranch in sunny Nampa,
Idaho.
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