Horse Manure Composting
Aerated Bay Systems (5-40 Horses)
With aerated bay composting, we generally design the system with
3 bays - each of which is sized to accommodate between 2 and 3 weeks
of manure and bedding. These systems are either "On-Grade"
for flat ground farms or they can be "Top-Down" for farms
with sloping ground. With a Top-Down system, we are able to utilize
gravity to our best advantage by dumping the raw materials from
above and behind and then remove the composted material from below
and in front.
The 3-bay design lends itself to true flow-through composting.
This approach to composting is elegant in its simplicity, as illustrated
in the following steps:
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The first bay is filled over the course of 2 to 3 weeks. When
full, the raw materials are covered with a 6-inch layer of finished
compost to retain heat, mitigate odors, eliminate flies, and
maintain moist conditions throughout the mix of materials. The
blower is turned on at this point and cycles on and off 24 hours
a day. Our primary objective is to equal or exceed 131°F
for 3 days.
-
While Bay #1 is composting, Bay #2 is being filled. When full,
the raw materials are covered with a layer of finished compost;
the aeration is started; and then the raw materials are delivered
to Bay #3.
-
When Bay #3 is nearly full, bay #1 has been actively composting
for 30 days or more. At this point, the compost is removed to
a separate area for curing and storage. With little effort,
Bay #1 is then made ready to receive fresh material. In this
way, the process continues in a simple 1-2-3 cycle. Again, all
of this takes place without having to turn the compost pile,
thereby minimizing equipment time and labor.
Take a tour of our operational systems:
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