Horse Stable Manure Management

HORSE FACILITIES 3

Horse Stable Manure Management anure handling is a necessary horses are kept in suburban or rural evil of stable management residential settings, it is essential for Contents with horse owners naturally horse owners to be good neighbors. M Stall Waste Production and preferring to ride rather than clean Often, suburban horse facilities have Characteristics...... 2 stalls. Making sure that stall cleaning limited or no acreage for disposal of and other manure handling chores manure and soiled bedding. Several Environmental Impact...... 3 are done efficiently can lead to more alternatives for handling manure in- Minimizing Nuisances...... 3 time spent with the horse. It is impor- clude land disposal, stockpiling for tant to recognize that horses produce future handling, removal from stable Preventing Water Pollution...... 4 large amounts of manure that quickly site, and composting. Some stables Manure Handling...... 6 accumulates! About 12 tons of ma- have developed markets to distribute Manure Storage...... 7 nure and soiled bedding will be re- or sell the stall waste. Whether in a moved annually from each horse stall suburban or rural setting, proper ma- Construction of the Manure Storage...... 8 (housing a full-time occupant). Care- nure management is based on simple Siting the Manure Storage...... 9 ful consideration of how this material principles that will virtually eliminate Management of the Stored Manure...... 11 is moved and stored is needed for ef- environmental pollution impacts and ficient manure management. Getting nuisances such as odor and flies. Vegetated Filter Area ...... 11 the manure out of a stall is only the Manure Disposal...... 12 beginning. A complete manure management system involves collection, Other Stable Wastes...... 14 storage (temporary or long-term), Keeping It Legal...... 14 and disposal or utilization. This publication provides information to Have a Plan...... 14 stable managers on horse manure Summary...... 15 characteristics and options for Additional Resources...... 15 its movement and storage. Associated issues such as Acknowledgments...... 15 odor control, fly breeding, and environmental impact are addressed in relation to horse facilities. Manure management practices within horse facilities deserve careful attention. Since most 2

Stall Waste Production and about 60 to 70 pounds of total waste leading to a steady stream of waste material is removed daily. This results to handle. There are several com- Characteristics in about 12 tons of waste a year per mon stall bedding materials and Manure includes both the solid and stall with 8.5 tons being manure from each has different characteristics in liquid portions of waste. Horse ma- a 1,000-pound horse. handling, field application, suitability nure is about 60 percent solids and The density of horse manure is to composting, and acceptance for 40 percent urine. On average, a horse about 63 pounds per cubic foot (lb/ sales. Availability and cost of bedding produces 0.5 ounce of feces and 0.3 ft3 ). Therefore, 51 pounds of manure materials in the stable area will prob- fluid ounce of urine per pound of would occupy about 0.81 cubic feet. ably have the greatest influence on body weight every day. A 1,000-pound The soiled stall bedding removed bedding selection (Tables 1 and 2). horse produces about 31 pounds of with this manure would be about The manure management needs feces and 2.4 gallons of urine daily, twice this volume, so the total volume of pastured horses are different which totals around 51 pounds of of stall waste removed per day per from those of stabled horses. The total raw waste per day (Figure 1). 1,000-pound horse may be estimated field-deposited manure is beneficial Soiled bedding removed with the as 2.4 ft3. To put all these numbers in because it serves as a fertilizer. Sub- manure during stall cleaning may perspective, annual stall waste from stantial amounts of manure can ac- account for another 8 to 15 pounds one horse would fill its 12-foot by 12- cumulate where horses congregate per day of waste. The volume of soiled foot stall about 6 feet deep (assuming around gates, waterers, favorite shade bedding removed equals almost twice no settling). Plan now for handling areas, feeders, and shelters. These the volume of manure removed but this material! areas should be cleaned weekly for varies widely depending on manage- Barn chores include a daily clean- better pasture management, parasite ment practices. So for each stall, out of manure and soiled bedding, control, and to diminish fly breeding.

Figure 1. Daily manure and stall waste production from a typical 1,000-pound horse.

Manure Daily

31 lb of feces + 2.4 gal of urine = 51 lb of manure (0.5 ft3) (0.3 ft3) (0.8 ft3)

Stall Waste Daily

8–15 lb of bedding + 51 lb of manure = 60–70 lb of stall waste/day (1.6 ft3) (0.8 ft3) (2.4 ft3) 3

Table 1. Approximate water absorption Manure collected from paddocks and Environmental Impact of dry bedding materials (typically 10 pastures may be added to the stall percent moisture). waste stockpile. Minimizing Nuisances Horse manure has been consid- For a suburban setting, one potential [Reproduced with permission from Livestock Waste Facilities Handbook, MWPS-18.] ered a valuable resource rather than problem includes overcoming mis- a “waste.” Fertilizer value of the 8.5 conceptions about the nuisance and Pounds of tons of manure produced annually water pollution potential of horse facilities. absorbed by a 1,000-pound horse is about 102 Most people enjoy horses, yet neigh- per pound pounds of nitrogen (N), 43 pounds bors can be more concerned that Material of bedding of P O (phosphorus pentoxide horses are manure-generating, fly and Wheat straw 2.2 2 5 [phosphate] = 43.7 percent P), and 77 odor machines. A horse facility oper- Hay—chopped, mature 3.0 pounds of K O (potash = 83 percent ating with a large number of horses Tanning bark 4.0 2 K). The nutrient content of horse Fine bark 2.5 on limited acreage can intensify nui- Pine chips 3.0 manure can also be represented as sance problems not noticed at small Pine sawdust 2.5 12 lb/ton of N, 5 lb/ton of P2O5, stables. Generally in the Northeast, 2

Pine shavings 2.0 and 9 lb/ton of K2O (nutrient values to 3 acres of good pasture per horse Hardwood chips, shavings, sawdust* 1.5 for any manure vary widely, so these is needed for summer feeding pur- Corn shredded stover 2.5 are only guidelines). Traditionally, poses. More horses per acre are com- Corn cobs, ground 2.1 nitrate-nitrogen is the component mon and successfully managed with Not recommended for horse stall bedding: flax straw, oat that presents the most pollution supplemental feeding. Fortunately, straw, black cherry, and walnut wood products. The horse potential since it moves freely in the careful management and attention to may eat oat straw. soil. Most of horse manure’s nitrogen detail can overcome potential prob- *Walnut shavings cause founder, so all hardwood is contained in the urine. lems of intensive horse operations. shavings should be avoided on the chance that some walnut shavings could be mixed in. These values are an average for Pests commonly associated with horse manure (urine and feces). animal agriculture are flies and small With the large amount of bedding rodents, such as mice and rats. Flies material mixed with manure in typi- and odors are the most common cal stall waste, the fertilizer nutrient complaints, but proper manure man- Table 2. Hay and bedding material value would vary (see Direct Disposal agement can virtually eliminate farm density. section on page 12). pests and odors. Figure 2 shows some [Reproduced with permission from Livestock Waste simple yet important site-planning Facilities Handbook, MWPS-18.] features to minimize nuisances as- Form Material Density (lb/ft3) sociated with manure management. Loose Alfalfa 4 Insects. It is always easier and more Non-legume hay 4 effective to prevent fly breeding than Straw 2–3 it is to control adult flies. Eliminating Shavings 9 Sand 105 the habitat required by the larvae to Baled Alfalfa 8 hatch and grow significantly reduces Non-legume hay 7 fly populations. Because flies deposit Straw 5 eggs in the top few inches of moist Wood shavings 20 manure, minimizing moist manure Chopped Alfalfa 6 surface area is one reduction strat- Non-legume hay 6 egy. Eggs can hatch in as little as 7 Straw 7 days under optimal temperature and moisture conditions. Fly breeding season starts when spring temperatures get above 65°F and ends at the first killing frost in the fall. Under ideal breeding conditions, it 4 has been calculated that one fly can dations deter rodent entry as do Preventing Water Pollution produce 300 million offspring in metal shields on doors and screens Manure pile runoff. Any on-site ma- about 60 days! Few flies will develop over small openings. Young mice nure storage should not contribute if manure is removed from the stable can squeeze through an opening as to groundwater or surface water site or made undesirable for fly breed- small as 1/4 inch. Overfed, pet cats are pollution. Leachate is the brownish ing within a maximum 7-day cycle. not usually good mousers, but a barn liquid that has “leached” from the Keep manure as dry as possible, cat can deter rodents. Poison bait is solid pile contents and drains off a below 50 percent moisture, to make not often safe around horse facilities waste pile bottom. Not all piles will it less desirable for egg deposition. due to the presence of pets and chil- have leachate; in fact, proper manage- Spread manure out in thin layers dur- dren; however, secure bait boxes are ment can avoid leachate formation. ing field application or field dragging, effective. Stall waste is typically very dry with or keep out precipitation by roofing Odor. Nuisance odor from the horses little leachate. When water or pure or tarping the permanent holding themselves is generally minimal. Of- manure, such as from paddock or area and covering any dumpsters or fensive odors can be generated from arena cleanup, is added, some leach- temporary manure storage. Cleaning manure. If manure is allowed to de- ate may form. A covered storage area up decaying organic material is essen- compose without enough oxygen, it will have much less leachate than one tial to fly control. Filth flies lay eggs in will be anaerobic (without oxygen) exposed to precipitation. Prevent any any decaying organic matter, includ- and will usually produce offensive pile leachate from contaminating ing spilled feed, manure left in stall odors. Aerobic (with oxygen) decom- groundwater or nearby waterways corners, grass clippings, and manure position, such as composting, does by capturing or diverting it. A con- piles. Store small amounts of manure not produce such odors because the crete pad with sidewalls is necessary in containers with tight-fitting lids. microbes decomposing the waste to contain leachate from very large, Cleaning up spilled grain will not use the nutrients and produce odor- uncovered piles. Leachate drainage to only suppress filth fly populations free compounds (water vapor and a treatment system such as a grassed but will also reduce feed sources for carbon dioxide, for example) as a by- infiltration area (see Vegetated Filter mice and rats. Further information product. Anticipate some odor from Area sidebar on page 11) is neces- is available in Pest Management Recom- the manure storage area since fresh sary to prevent runoff to geologically mendation for Horses (see Additional manure is added daily. Place the area and socially sensitive areas. Another Resources). downwind of the stable facility and potential source of water pollution Rodents. Clean out trash, dumps, residential areas to minimize odor is from field-applied manure that is piles of old lumber or manure, and problems. Summer breezes are the subject to surface runoff conditions garbage where rats and mice hide. main concern if winter and summer or deposited near waterways. Apply Keep weeds trimmed around build- prevailing wind directions are not the stall manure so runoff is minimized; ings to reduce hiding places. Stacked same. Neighbors will be less tolerant guidelines are provided in the Direct feedbags create ideal passageways during warm weather since they are Disposal section on page 12. in which rodents can eat, hide, and outdoors more often and have open Stall flooring.The type of stall floor- breed. Store feed in rodent-proof house windows. ing may determine the potential bins, preferably metal or lined with Aesthetics. Another nuisance associ- for groundwater pollution from the metal or wire mesh. A 30-gallon ated with waste management can be stable. Concrete, most asphalt, and trash can will hold a 100-pound sack the visual aspect of large manure well-packed clay floors are considered of feed. Feed from these containers storage piles. Keep the storage site impermeable to water flow. However, rather than from an open bag, and screened from view with vegetation, with any stall flooring material, there clean up any spills immediately. Areas fencing, and/or by location in a is so much bedding used in horse under feed bins, bunks, and buckets remote area. A well-designed and stalls that urine and any liquid from are excellent feeding grounds for managed stall waste facility can be the manure are soaked up by bed- rodents. Concrete floors and foun- reasonably contained and not offen- ding. Therefore, free urine in contact sive visually. Screening the storage with the flooring material is mini- site is worthwhile because “out of mized compared to other livestock sight is out of mind,” if the storage is housing. Drains are not necessary otherwise well managed. in horse stall floors, except under circumstances noted below. 5

Figure 2. Farm plan showing manure management for minimizing nuisances. positioned along the front stall wall in the aisle floor. This gutter would then slope along the aisle toward drains. Diversion of any runoff Site Manure Storage See "Horse Facilities 4: Horse Stable — to grassed area — on high ground Flooring Materials and Drainage" for — away from waterways — away from buildings more information. — not in paddock/pasture — accessible to stable The floor in an open-sided shed — visually remote location usually consists of the native material — downwind of residences found on the building site. Pastured horses do not spend much time in the shelter unless encouraged to do so by feeding or fencing. Groundwater pollution is minimal because little Rainy Day manure is deposited in the shed. If (Sacrifice) horses are fed or confined in this fa- Paddocks Buckwall cility, then a more durable floor may be desirable along with a plan to col- Manure Visual lect and dispose of the accumulated Storage Screening manure. Packed limestone screen- Pad (Fence and/or Shrubs) ings work very well in open sheds by providing good drainage and ease of cleaning. Rainy-day paddocks. Many farm man- Stable agers have rainy-day paddocks that are exercise lots with no pasture grass. Paddocks They are used for turnout during inclement weather when horse traffic

Year-round Access Year-round Road on grass pastures would tear the turf into a muddy mess. Ungrassed paddocks also work well for horses kept on limited acreage or when pastures are reseeded, fertilized, or rested as Prevailing Summer Winds part of rotational grazing program. Some managers use outdoor riding House Neighbor arenas for turnout paddocks. Locate House exercise paddocks on high ground with provision for cleaning the area of manure and decreasing runoff potential (Figure 2). A stone dust footing works well by decreasing mud, aiding drainage, and providing a surface to Wash stalls should have imper- Drains in the stall should be out- collect manure. The rainy-day pad- meable and durable floors such as fitted with a removable cover and dock should be surrounded by well- concrete or asphalt. Drains are rec- located on one side of the stall to established sod so that any runoff is ommended for wastewater removal prevent discomfort when the horse captured and diverted from adjoining to an approved discharge area (see lies down in the center of the stall. buildings and pastures. Fence sensi- Vegetated Filter Area sidebar on page The floor should slope slightly (1 inch tive areas around streams and natural 11). Some stalls are frequently washed per 6 feet is adequate) toward the waterways to alleviate further water down and disinfected, such as foaling drain. An alternative is to slope the pollution. stalls or hospital stalls. When large stall floor toward the front stall door amounts of water are used, impervi- where a shallow, narrow gutter (about ous floors and drains are necessary. 1 inch deep by 4 to 12 inches wide) is 6

Figure 3. Efficient handling of large quantities of bulky material includes straight- Manure Handling line movement through wide doors to a convenient stockpile area. Efficient movement. When handling large quantities of bulky material, Convenient travel Exterior loading access straight-line movement through wide distance to all stalls doors is the most efficient. Avoid stable designs that necessitate turns Hay and tight passages for travel from Wide bedding doors the stall to manure deposition area. storage Straight-line Hand labor is most common in horse movement stall cleaning. To increase worker ef- Minimize lifting ficiency, provide plenty of stall light, minimize lifting, and make the temporary manure stockpile area easily Plenty of light for Gradual accessible from all areas of the stable work efficiency sweeping turns (Figure 3). In most stables, stalls are cleaned Avoid narrow passages and tight daily and manure temporarily stock- corners piled in an accessible area near the barn. To avoid additional handling, Outdoor light for workers can temporarily stockpile predawn chores Use gravity where manure in a vehicle, such as a ma- possible to transfer stall waste to nure dumpster or spreader. Once storage the stall cleaning chores are finished or the temporary storage is filled, the stockpile is moved to the long-term storage location or removed from Figure 4. Automated barn cleaner. the stable site. Adapted from Livestock Waste Facilities Handbook. Mechanization can replace some hand labor of stall cleaning. A common adaptation is a motorized vehicle Options include: pulling a cart through the working — Removable cover at each aisle of the stable. The engine exhaust door (shown) and the repositioning of the cart can — Full coverage detract from its ultimate usefulness with removable and become a health hazard if the panel at each stable is inadequately ventilated. The door for stall cart can efficiently transport mate- Channelway to be cleaning rial to areas more remote from the left open stable. A mechanized alternative is the barn cleaner, which automatically

EFW289 moves the waste from the stall area to the temporary stockpile area. A barn cleaner is a scraper that operates in a narrow gutter (about 16 inches wide) and has closely spaced flights on a chain drive (Figure 4). It is designed to handle wastes with high solids content typical of horse stall waste. The gutter cleaner can be located under the floor at the back of the stall or 7 along the side of an aisle servicing Figure 5. Options for automatic barn cleaner gutter and stockpile placements. the stalls (Figure 5). The primary advantage is that minimal worker effort is required to move stall waste into the gutter: no lifting, no moving carts, and no travel to the temporary Manure removed through endwall stockpile area. The disadvantages are the initial cost, complex installa- tion, and maintenance of the gutter system. Stall gutters must be covered and bedded over when horses are in Manure removed through sidewall the stall. With aisle gutters, horses get used to stepping around them even if Aisle Aisle Stalls Stalls gutters are left uncovered. Safety may become an issue if normally covered aisle gutters are left open.

Manure Storage The stall waste will have to be stored Barn cleaner at aisle- Barn cleaner at back somewhere whether temporarily or stall wall junction wall of stalls long term. Keep stored manure in a EFW286 fly-tight area during the warm months Figure 6. Simple manure stockpile pad with backstop, which is suitable for a or manage to prevent fly breeding small stable. Use a tarp or other cover to minimize leachate production from and protect from rainfall and surface precipitation. runoff. A well-built storage pad or container aids in waste handling and minimizes pollution potential from 1 or 2 bucking walls to aid unloading and to screen from view (use pressure-treated wood) the pile. The pad can be as informal as a level, well-packed surface with a Elevated above wood or masonry backstop (Figures surrounds 6, 7, 8) or a covered structure with impermeable flooring. If topography Concrete or permits, a below-grade storage con- crushed Sod to capture tainer is a less objectionable structure limestone base any liquid runoff as it keeps the manure contained to EFW279 a small area, is out of view, can be covered, and is easily filled using gravity to dump waste into it (Figure 9). Figure 7. Manure pad slope and drainage. Drain and gutter are recommended in all One side should be at ground level cases, especially if the manure stack will not be protected from rainfall. Leachate for emptying. Longer-term manure (effluent) must be directed to a storage tank and/or suitable method of disposal. storages are often more substantial Reproduced with permission from Livestock Waste Facilities Handbook, MWPS-18. structures than short-term storages. 4" min rise to Large quantities of manure require a divert runoff Manure storage designed with wide door(s), away from a high roof, and strong construc- stack tion to allow cleanout with power equipment. Construction features are shown in Figure 10. Additional EFW 349 1 details of large manure storages ⁄8"/ft are available in the Livestock Waste 10' max slope entrance toward Facilities Handbook (see Additional drain Drain Gutter 8

Figure 8. Bucking wall options. Table 3. Minimum separation distances Note: These drawings are general representations and are not meant as construction drawings. A site-specific design is commonly recommended for composting recommended in all cases. If soil backfill is to be placed behind the wall, a more economical wall may be possible. and manure-handling activities. Adapted from Livestock Waste Facilities Handbook, MWPS-18. Source On-Farm Composing Handbook, NRAES-54.

Sensitive area Minimum separation 8" concrete wall, reinforce with distance (feet) #5 bars, 12" o.c. both ways Property line 50–100 3'–4' Residence or place of business 200–500 Space #5 bar L anchors, 12" o.c. Private well or other potable 100–200 water source Wetlands or surface water 100–200 (streams, pond, lakes) Subsurface drainage pipe or 25 drainage ditch discharging Min 6' concrete to a natural water course Water table (seasonal high) 2–5 Bedrock 2–5 8" concrete block wall, fill core with concrete and cap with 4" concrete, reinforce with #5 bars, 12" o.c. both ways 3' max Space #5 bar L anchors, 12" o.c. Resources). Manure for commercial pick-up can be stored in a container or dumpster. With any large or small manure storage, a tarp or other cover is recommended to minimize leachate production from rainfall.

Construction of the Manure Storage 6" x 6" treated pole, 4' o.c. Size the storage for about 180 days of 2" x 6" tongue and groove 3'–4' long-term storage in cold climates. pressure-treated wood This provides winter storage when fields are not accessible and for sum-

EFW 348 mer when crops may be present. An estimated waste production of 2.4 ft3 per day per horse would require 432 3 Embed pole at least 4' ft of storage for each stalled horse. Base sizing figures on estimates that Wood reflect the specific stable’s management. It is better to have a slightly larger storage facility than one that is too small. Whether constructing a simple manure pad or more formal storage structure, some common practices will minimize labor and make nuisance control easier. Slope entrance ramps upward with a minimum 10:1 slope (Figure 7) to keep out surface water. Provide a rough-surfaced load-out ramp at least 40-feet wide if commercial-sized 9 agricultural machinery will be used Figure 9. Manure storage container uses topography and gravity for ease of waste- to load and unload the storage. A handling chores. Two options are shown for manure drop-off protection. smaller width of 20 feet is acceptable for smaller farm and garden tractors, leaving enough room to maneuver the tractor during unloading. Angle grooves across the ramp to drain rainwater. Install a 4-inch-thick concrete floor and ramp over 6 inches of coarse gravel or crushed rock (up to 1.5 inch aggregate size). Two inches of sand can replace gravel as fill under the concrete when placed over undisturbed or compacted soil. Smaller or private stables can suffice with well-packed stone dust. Bucking walls (backstop) are recommended to aid in unloading; options are provided in Figure 8. If liquids such as unabsorbed urine, snowmelt, and rain are to be stored, slope the floor toward a closed end. The floor may be sloped to one or both sides, with openings on the

low side to a gutter or surface drain EFW290 (Figure 11). Unabsorbed liquids may Figure 10. Features of large, roofed, solid-manure storage. be diverted to a gently sloped, grassed area that acts as a vegetated filter (Figure 12). Additional problems of Engineered roof trusses handling separated liquids may make use of roofs or extra bedding a better solution. A large, unroofed storage (such as those serving multiple stables Timber wall at a track) may need floor drains con- and post option nected to underground corrosion- resistant 8-inch pipes to carry away

liquids. Provide removable grills for Concrete wall option EFW351 periodic cleaning, or start the stack End access with 6 inches of absorbent material such as wood or bark chips to absorb some liquids and permit drainage.

Siting the Manure Storage The waste stockpile areas must be accessible to trucks or tractors in all weather conditions. A location on high ground will usually provide firm soil well above groundwater, forming a suitable base for the storage facility and access road. Keep manure away from building materials, as corrosive chemicals in the manure can damage 10 them. Do not store manure where Figure 11. Covered storage with leachate collection for wet materials. runoff or floodwater will cause nutrients to enter nearby waterways. Table 3 lists distances to separate the ma- Roof gutter nure storage from sensitive areas such as nearby water sources or residences. Keep clean water and Do not store manure in paddocks due leachate to increased parasite exposure for the from EFW 350 horses. Locate storages downwind mixing from both the farm and neighbors’ residences. Consider the aesthetics of Leachate to holding pond or treatment the storage placement so that it can Leachate collecting channel Floor slope 2–4% system be screened from view (See Figure 2). to channel Use natural or humanmade screening such as a hedgerow or fence to improve the aesthetics and help contain Figure 12. Grassed filter area for treating manure storage leachate. Use a site- any odors. Remember that for many specific design of the vegetated filter based on leachate production and site perceived nuisances, out of sight can characteristics. be out of mind for neighbors. Provide for easy filling of the storage with a tractor-mounted manure loader or scraper elevator stacker unit. Unload waste with a tractor–mounted bucket. Good drainage at any manure storage site is absolutely necessary. The site may be graded to divert surface runoff without creating erosion. Poor drainage results in saturated conditions, leading to muddy access and pools of dirty water. Divert any surface drainage water and runoff from nearby roofs away from the pile area. On-Farm Composting Handbook (NRAES-54) has details of surface water diversion and site grading. Many stables and indoor riding arenas do not have gutters and downspouts, causing substantial runoff from these buildings. A gutter and downspout system will collect and divert water away from the building foundation and bypass the manure storage. Tarps or a roof over the manure storage can minimize rainwater entry if leachate containment becomes a problem. Do not allow polluted runoff to pool, as mosquitoes and flies will breed in the moist area. 11

Vegetated Filter Area A grassed, gently sloped area may be used as a filter and infiltration area for wastewater (Figure 12). Waste- water is piped to the filter area and spread evenly across the top portion of the filter. As it flows through the soil profile and down the slight slope, biological activity and adsorption in the soil matrix remove waste materials. Most biological activity occurs in the topsoil layer where aerobic (using oxygen) activity provides for odor-free treatment. Obviously, not all soils are equally suitable since some provide rapid infiltration for limited treatment while others are rather impermeable and provide Management of the Stored Manure ity depends on manure conditions, surface runoff. Frozen soil will not With proper management, flies and with dry manure best. Wet manure act as a proper filter. Get professional odors from manure storage can be decreases wasp effectiveness. help from the Natural Resources Conservation Service or your County minimal. The major deterrent to fly When cleaning out the storage, Conservation District, for example, breeding in horse operations is to leave a 4-inch dry pad of manure for proper filter sizing and design. keep the manure as dry as possible. over the bottom of the storage area to provide a stock of fly parasites and Vegetated filter area is a relatively Other wet organic material sites also low-cost farm wastewater treatment predators. Manure removal can be need to be removed. Remove manure system. They can vairy in cost, ap- staggered to leave one section per from the farm at least every 7 days proaching that of a septic system. In during fly breeding season or oper- week to supply fly predators and para- size, one rule of thumb is to provide ate a properly managed composting sites. Remove a winter’s stockpile of about 10 square feet of vegetated facility. manure during cold weather (<65°F) filter for each gallon of wastewater Add new stall waste to the pile as before fly breeding begins. being handled. The spreading device a large block of material to minimize at the head of the filter strip is im- fresh manure surface exposure. This portant for establishing even flow to minimize short-circuiting wastewater reduces the area of odor volatilization through the area. A settling tank and access to moist manure for fly before the filter strip will be needed breeding. Avoid dumping new mate- if manure solids are allowed into the rial on top of a pile where it spreads wastewater. out and falls away down the sides, These filter areas need to be well creating a large fresh, wet manure vegetated before put to use. Keep ani- surface area that promotes flies and mals off the filter strip, as the frequent odor. Flies lay eggs in the top 2 inches wet soil conditions lead to destruction of moist manure. of the sod cover by horse grazing and Naturally occurring fly predators, exercise. If the storage facility will tiny, non-stinging wasps and parasites, hold the manure from more than a few are beneficial to the manure storage. horses, the volume and strength of the leachate may be too great to send Avoid indiscriminate use of larvicides directly to a vegetated filter. In that and other pesticides that kill predator case, the liquid should be collected wasps and parasites. Depending on in a tank and dosed to the vegetated the species, wasps have 10- to 28-day filter every 3 or more days, or irrigated egg and larva stages. Wasps are active on pasture. In any case, a site-specific during fly season (some are killed by design is recommended. cold temperatures), and their activ- 12

Manure Disposal Figure 13. Proper application with a tractor and spreader provides a thin layer of stable waste over the soil to improve manure drying and fertilizer application Direct disposal. Direct disposal in- along with decreased fly breeding. volves the on-farm use of the stall waste via field application. Proper Adapted from On-Farm Composting Handbook, NRAES-54. field application demands equipment such as a tractor and spreader so that the manure is applied in a thin layer over the soil (Figure 13). The thin layer is essential for drying the manure to discourage fly breeding and also spreads the nutrients for more optimal plant use. Weekly spreading in the summer will disrupt fly breeding and egg development cycles. To minimize pollution from runoff, do not spread manure on frozen ground or near waterways. It may not be possible to spread manure each week year-round, in which case the manure must be stockpiled. In cold climates, figure on 180 days of stockpile storage space. Manure application may be limited to preplanting and post- harvest dates for cultivated fields. Field application is based on fer- Contract disposal. Another manure Fields may not be accessible due tilizer needs of the crop or pasture disposal option is to contract with to heavy snow accumulation or soil grass through soil sampling. The ap- a hauler who will remove the waste that is too wet to support equipment proximate fertilizer value of manure from the stable facility. The waste can traffic. from bedded horse stalls (46 percent be used in a commercial compost- Spreading manure in thin layers dry matter) is 4 lb/ton ammonium- ing operation or for other functions has been thought to reduce parasite N, 14 lb/ton Total N, 4 lb/ton P2O5 where the waste disposal is the respon- numbers by desiccating the eggs. This (phosphate), and 14 lb/ton K2O (pot- sibility of the hauler. Dumpsters are does hold true under dry and extreme ash). Fertilizer value of manure at 20 positioned at the stable for temporary cold or hot conditions. Under the percent moisture without bedding is stall waste storage (no trash or gar- moist conditions encountered in the approximately 12-5-9 lb/ton (N-P2O5- bage); a full dumpster is replaced with northeastern United States, the prac- K2O). Nutrient values vary widely, so an empty one. Dumpsters should be tice of spreading manure in thin lay- use these values as guidelines and sized so that the contents are emptied ers on pasture is being questioned (as have the manure analyzed if more at least weekly during the fly-breeding far as parasite control is concerned; specific data are needed. The amount season. Place the dumpster in a con- the other nutrient, aesthetic, and fly of organic nitrogen mineralized venient location where barn waste egg desiccation characteristics re- (released to crops) during the first can be dumped into it and trucks can main). Recent evidence suggests that cropping season after application of access and empty the dumpster dur- spreading thin layers of manure on horse manure is about 0.20. Organic ing all weather (Figure 9). A concrete pastures can enhance grazing horses’ nitrogen must be released through tank or pad is useful to contain any parasite exposure by spreading viable mineralization before plants can use dumpster leachate. parasites over a larger area. The rec- it. About 20 percent of the organic A less formal “contract” disposal is ommendation is to leave the manure N from horse manure is available to to interest neighbors in free garden piles in clumps and pick them up for the pasture grass the year of appli- organic material. The key is to locate disposal outside the pasture area. cation. Organic N released during the organic fertilizer enthusiasts. subsequent seasons is usually about Owners of small stables have had suc- 50 percent (second year), 25 percent cess with newspaper ads and locating (third year), and 13 percent (fourth “free” bagged manure at curbside. year) of the first year mineralization. 13

Figure 14. Simple process of a Figure 15. A front-end loader (pictured) or specialized compost-turning equipment composting stall waste pile. is used to turn compost in professionally managed composting facilities. Reproduced with permission from On-Farm Composing Handbook, NRAES-54.

Heat

Water CO2 Warm Warm air air EFW280

O2 O2 Cool air Cool air

Empty feed sacks filled with horse ma- Golf courses and nurseries provide Compost microbes live most nure are a useful package for manure an outlet for truckloads of compost. comfortably at certain temperatures distribution. Pathogens and fly eggs are killed (130–140°F) and moisture levels by composting’s high temperature. (50–60 percent). They need oxygen By-product: compost. An alternative Parasite eggs can be killed with a (5–15 percent), so waste pile aeration to “disposing” of horse manure is to 30-minute exposure to 140°F that is necessary. The more carefully these compost it into a by-product of the op- will occur on the inside of a properly biological factors are controlled, eration. Composting occurs naturally composted pile. These temperatures the more sophisticated the compost if stall waste decomposes in the pres- are not reached on the pile exterior, facility becomes. It takes 2 weeks ence of oxygen and is kept relatively which is one reason the pile is peri- to 6 months to produce finished moist, above 50 percent moisture odically mixed and turned so that compost under professionally man- content (Figure 14). The microbes exterior material is incorporated into aged conditions. The benefit of that decompose the bedding and the middle for full composting. Stall faster production is that less space is manure occur naturally in stall waste. waste composts well in piles that are needed for compost processing and In fact, commercial composters and at least 3 feet square by 3 feet deep. storage. Large, commercial compost mushroom substrate preparation Smaller piles will not retain enough facilities provide near-ideal condi- facilities often seek straw-bedded heat to reach the proper composting tions for composting to speed the horse stall waste. Composting pro- temperature. process and minimize space. A good vides a material that is more readily There is a trade-off between the and thorough guide called On-Farm marketable than raw stall waste. Fin- complexities of composting facilities Composting is available (see Additional ished compost is partially degraded versus the amount of time to produce Resources). manure, which is more organically finished compost. For example, static Intensive composting will be an- stable, presenting less of a pollution pile composting, which is informally other daily operation at the stable. threat. Its finer texture, high organic practiced at most stables, involves sim- This responsibility may not be of matter content, and fertilizer value ply piling the stall waste and letting interest to all stable managers. The make it desirable as a garden soil it “compost” for 6 months to 2 years. sale or disposal of the compost must amendment. Composting reduces In contrast, with more ideal condi- also be considered. Marketing and the volume of waste by 40 percent to tions and intensive management, the potential liability becomes important 70 percent. Horse manure, with its as- same stall waste could be composted if off- farm disposal is desired. Having sociated bedding, is almost perfectly in about 4 weeks. Intensive manage- a ready outlet for compost will make suited for composting because it has ment of a composting operation the facility and time investment more appropriate levels of nitrogenous entails daily monitoring and periodic worthwhile. With limited hauling, a material and carbon-based bedding (perhaps weekly) attention to mixing centralized cooperative facility could material. (The carbon:nitrogen ratio the raw ingredients, forming the pile, be managed for several farms with of stall waste is 20:1 to 30:1.) Stables and perhaps turning the compost more effective process labor and mar- have successfully given away, or even (Figure 15). keting of compost being additional sold, bulk and bagged horse compost. benefits. 14

Other Stable Wastes Keeping It Legal opment of a Manure Management Plan. Most Pennsylvania equine Waste management is not confined Various state and federal regulations farms would fall within the guidance to horse stall waste at a large facility. for protecting environmental qual- of this regulation. Horse owners can Keep trash separate from manure ity are aimed at manure manage- download the workbook and com- and soiled bedding for disposal. ment. Often categories of livestock plete the Manure Management Plan Recyclable materials are also kept (including horse) operations are themselves. The written plan does not separate for collection. Medical waste defined that relate to their potential need official approval unless the farm (e.g., syringes) usually has special to cause environmental harm. When is considered a high-density animal disposal requirements. Fertilizers stable facilities and manure storage operation. and pesticides and their containers structures are properly designed, con- The Pennsylvania Nutrient Man- sometimes have disposal restrictions. structed, and managed, the manure agement Act is aimed at higher- Human waste from a bathroom re- is an important and environmentally density livestock farms to ensure the quires a septic system or connection safe source of nutrients and organic appropriate application of manure to municipal sewer. Gray water, such matter. Proper land application of nutrients (Act 38 of 2005). The law as shower and sink water, may also go manure will not cause water quality defines the regulated community as to the septic/sewer unless it is needed problems. The intent of regulations those animal facilities that are high for groundskeeping or other uses is to ensure that economically practi- density with more than 2,000 pounds where high-quality water is not neces- cal techniques are used in all aspects of live animal weight per acre on sary. A grassed filter area may be used of manure handling. All farms are land suitable for manure application. to treat wastewater from the stable’s required to properly handle manure These operations are defined as con- horse wash stalls, tack area, laundry, in accordance with Pennsylvania’s centrated animal operations (CAOs) showers, and feed room. Clean Streams Law, and written Nutri- under the law. The law includes all Drainage and surface runoff from ent (Manure) Management Plans are livestock, whether they are for pro- pavement, building roofs, unveg- typically required. duction or recreation. For example, etated paddocks, and exercise areas In Pennsylvania, all farms of any 12 horses (each weighing an average need to be managed. This is especially size that produce or utilize manure of 1,000 pounds) on 5 acres of land important for areas where manure is must manage manure application is a regulated farm (12,000 pounds of allowed to accumulate between rain- under the guidance of a Manure animals ÷ 5 acres = 2,400 pounds per fall or thawing events. Runoff should Management Plan or Nutrient Man- acre). These plans must be developed not enter natural waterways where agement Plan. To find out which plan by a certified specialist. it could increase nutrient level of your farm needs, you may find the Be aware that many suburban the water or contribute to increased article at extension.psu.edu/have-a- horse farms are considered high- erosion. Pick up excess manure from horse-or-steer-in-your-backyard-you- density livestock farms, according paddocks and exercise areas and add need-a-manure-management-plan to the Nutrient Management Act it to the manure handling system. useful or contact your County Conser- guidelines, since they have more vation District. Both types of manage- than 2,000 pounds of animal weight ment plans need information such per acre. Additional details about as the amount of manure generated Pennsylvania’s Nutrient Management on the farm, the manure nutrient Act is available from panutrientmgmt content, manure application rates, .cas.psu.edu and “Agronomy Facts and handling procedures, includ- 54” (see Additional Resources). ing manure stockpiles and paddock management. A signed agreement is needed if manure is exported from Have a Plan the site. It is recommended that managers The Pennsylvania Department of large stables (10 or more horses) of Environmental Protection (DEP) prepare a written Manure Manage- published an updated version of the ment Plan. This is a useful tool for the Land Application of Manure, Manure operator and shows that a proactive Management Plan Guidance in 2011. stance has been taken if methods of This manual provides guidance and manure handling are questioned. a workbook template for the devel- Keep it simple, but address exactly 15 how and where manure is stored and Department of Agricultural and Bio- disposed. Address leachate manage- logical Engineering ment and manure storage siting for 246 Agricultural Engineering Building reducing water pollution. Address University Park, PA 16802 water run-on and run-off from the 814-865-7685, Fax: 814-863-1031 stable and storage site. Even prepar- abe.psu.edu ing a simple handwritten plan is beneficial in thinking through how to efficiently handle tons of manure Acknowledgments and soiled bedding. The authors would like to thank the following experts in manure manage- Summary ment and equine sciences for their outstanding technical advice offered Making manure management a more during review of this manuscript: thoughtful and efficient chore ben- Robert Graves, professor of agricul- efits both the horse owner and their tural and biological engineering; neighbors. Time spent planning for Patricia Comerford, instructor in proper and easy manure disposal dairy and animal science; Timothy will pay back in many more hours Murphy, conservation engineer, Natu- spent enjoying the horses through ral Resources Conservation Service, decreased time and effort in stall Pennsylvania; and Daniel Greig, dis- cleaning and manure disposal chores. trict manager, Chester County (PA) Maintaining good neighbor relations Conservation District. through fly and odor minimization will ensure the compatibility of horse stables within the neighborhood.

Additional Resources "Agronomy Facts 54: Pennsylvania’s Nutrient Management Act (Act 38): Who Is Affected?" 2007. D. Beegle. Penn State Cooperative Extension, University Park, PA. Livestock Waste Facilities Handbook. MWPS-18. 1985. 2nd edition. Mid- West Plan Service. Iowa State Uni- versity, Ames, IA 50011. Phone: 515-294-4337. https://www-mwps.sws .iastate.edu. On-Farm Composting Handbook. NRAES-54. 1992. R. Rynk, editor. Natural Resources, Agriculture and Engineering Service, 152 Riley-Robb Hall, Ithaca, NY 14853-5701. 607-255- 7654. palspublishing.cals.cornell.edu. Pest Management Recommendations for Horses. 2010. P. Daufman, D. Rutz, and C. Pitts. Penn State Cooperative Extension and Cornell University. University Park, PA. Prepared by Eileen E. Fabian (Wheeler), professor of agricultural and biological engineering, and Jennifer Smith Zajac- zkowski, senior research technologist in agricultural and biological engineering.

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