Water Wednesdays in November focus on Agricultural Best Management Practices (BMPs). Last week, we invited the Livestock Agent, Caitlin Bainum to give us an overview of manure management.

“Adoption of agricultural BMPs is more important than ever. For horse farm owners this means intensifying pasture management strategies and managing the equine waste stream, A.K.A “Mount Manure”. With each adult horse producing around 10 tons of manure each year, manure management can be daunting. Extension has a vital role in the education component of BMP adoption, teaching farm owners how to apply these practices on a case-by-case basis is important so they do not feel overwhelmed. Manure can be managed effectively through composting, a means of stabilizing the nitrogen from manure and killing the weed seeds and parasites prior to applying the finished compost back onto pasture or using it around the farm. Finished compost, while not a replacement for commercial fertilizer, will provide organic matter to the soil and a slow release form of nitrogen. Composting will also reduce the total waste volume by 30-40%, making storage easier in the long-run. Developing a compost system that fits the management level and need of a farm is both an art and a science, and UF/IFAS Extension is here to help!”

To watch the recording, please click the video below.

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