For horse owners, manure is part of everyday life. A single 1,000-pound horse produces between 35 and 50 pounds of manure each day, adding up to nearly nine tons each year. While managing that volume may seem like a constant chore, horse manure can become one of the most valuable resources on the farm when handled properly.
Instead of viewing manure as a waste product, consider it a source of organic matter and nutrients that can improve soil health and pasture productivity. Through composting, horse owners can recycle manure into a stable, nutrient-rich soil amendment that benefits both their operation and the environment.
Why Compost Horse Manure?
Composting is a natural process that uses beneficial microorganisms to break down manure and bedding into finished compost. During the process, the overall volume of material can shrink by as much as 40 percent, making it easier to store, transport, and apply.
Finished compost provides several benefits for pastures and gardens by:
- Adding valuable organic matter to the soil
- Improving soil structure and root growth
- Increasing the soil’s ability to hold moisture
- Helping retain nutrients for healthier plant growth
Building a Healthy Compost Pile
A successful compost pile depends on creating the right conditions for decomposition. Four key ingredients are essential:
- A balanced mix of carbon and nitrogen
- Adequate moisture
- Good airflow
- Warm internal temperatures
Horse manure combined with bedding materials such as wood shavings or straw provides an excellent foundation. The pile should stay about as moist as a wrung-out sponge and be turned regularly to introduce oxygen. Maintaining temperatures between 130°F and 160°F encourages rapid decomposition while helping reduce weed seeds and disease-causing organisms.
Compost Is Only Part of the Equation
Even the highest-quality compost works best when paired with a nutrient management plan. Before applying compost or fertilizer, a soil test can identify existing nutrient levels and soil pH, allowing producers to make informed management decisions.
Testing soil, compost, and hay can help horse owners:
- Improve pasture performance
- Increase nutrient efficiency
- Reduce fertilizer expenses
- Avoid unnecessary nutrient applications
- Protect Florida’s springs, rivers, and groundwater
Applying nutrients based on soil test recommendations supports healthier forage while reducing the risk of nutrient runoff.
Learning Through Demonstration
UF/IFAS Extension Volusia County recently showcased these practices during an Equine Farm Day held at Innovation Arabians, a local demonstration farm participating in a grant-funded composting project focused on agricultural Best Management Practices (BMPs).
Participants explored manure composting systems, learned proper soil sampling techniques, reviewed nutrient management strategies, and discussed the value of compost and hay testing. A hands-on activity guided attendees through interpreting soil test reports and developing fertilizer recommendations using UF/IFAS guidelines. The event also featured discussions on equine nutrition, body condition scoring, and daily management practices, demonstrating how sustainable manure management fits into a successful horse operation.
Financial Assistance May Be Available
Horse owners interested in improving manure management may qualify for conservation funding. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Agricultural Best Management Practices (BMP) Program offers cost-share opportunities for eligible water quality improvement projects. In addition, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) provides technical and financial assistance for approved nutrient and waste management practices.
A Resource Worth Recycling
Managing horse manure doesn’t have to mean simply hauling it away. With composting, soil testing, and science-based nutrient management, horse owners can recycle valuable nutrients, improve pasture health, reduce fertilizer needs, and help protect Florida’s natural resources.
For more information about horse manure composting, soil testing, nutrient management, or agricultural Best Management Practices, contact your local UF/IFAS Extension office.
Manure Composting for Small Horse Farms (SL496/SS709)
Composting Horse Manure on Small Farms: Managing Your Compost (SL497/SS710)
UF/IFAS Extension Soil Testing Laboratory
FDACS Agricultural Best Management Practices Program
USDA NRCS Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)
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