How to Compost Horse Manure in Aerated Static Piles

Locate your horse manure compost piles near the stables and garden, if possible.

If you keep horses on your property, you're well aware of how much manure they produce. Disposing of all that waste in an environmentally responsible way can be a real challenge. Composting offers a simple, inexpensive and environmentally responsible way to dispose of horse manure--and benefit the soil in your garden or pasture at the same time. Choose a site for your manure compost pile carefully. Remember, you'll either have to haul the manure from the stable to the pile or haul the finished compost from the pile to the garden or pasture.

Things You'll Need

• Sticks or wood chips
• 6 pieces of 4-inch PVC pipe, 6 feet each
• Power drill with 1/2-inch drill bit
• Horse manure and bedding
• Pitchfork or shovel
• Hose and water source
• Finished compost

Instructions

1. Clear a 4-foot square area for the compost pile. Remove all vegetation and sod from the area. Spread a 2-inch layer of sticks or wood chips over the area.

2. Lay the PVC pipes horizontally on the ground or another solid surface. Drill a line of 1/2-inch holes along the length of the first PVC pipe, leaving 6 inches of space between each hole. Turn the pipe 90 degrees and repeat until you have four lines of holes. Repeat this process with the remaining pipes.

3. Lay two drilled PVC pipes across the compost area. They should be parallel to each other, with approximately 2 feet of space between them. Cover the pipes with a layer of sticks or wood chips.

4. Spread a 6- to 12-inch layer (approximately one-third of the total material) of mixed horse manure and bedding over the pile.

5. Lay down two more PVC pipes, perpendicular to the first set, over the horse manure. Cover them with wood chips or sticks. These will provide drainage and aeration throughout the pile.

6. Repeat this layering process of wood chips or sticks, manure and pipes until you run out of material.

7. Check the moisture level of the pile. It should be damp, but not dripping wet--like a wrung-out sponge. If necessary, use the hose to sprinkle the pile.

8. Cover the entire pile with a thick (12- to 18-inch) layer of finished compost. This will keep the heat consistent throughout the entire pile and will prevent moisture loss. The compost will be ready to use in three to six months.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure the ends of the pipes stick out of the compost pile on both sides, otherwise air won't be able to circulate through the pile.

• If you notice foul odors coming from the pile, it's not getting enough air. Consider setting up fans to blow air through the pipes to aerate the compost.

References

• U.S. EPA
• Washington State University
• O2Compost

Resources

• Composting 101