Horse Manure Composting

Introduction

Over the past 10 years, O2Compost has developed a wide range of styles and sizes for horse manure composting systems. In all cases, we utilize the Aerated Static Pile (ASP) method of composting as a way to optimize the composting process and mitigate problems associated with offensive odors, flies and impacts to water quality. With this method, air (i.e., oxygen) is introduced into the pile using an electric blower.

Initially, we began with large aerated compost systems given that this is where the manure management "problem" was the most obvious. As time went on, however, it became very apparent to us that the more significant need was for smaller compost systems to manage manure from farms and stables with as few as 1 or 2 horses.

As of June 1, 2007, O2Compost has successfully completed over 250 compost systems throughout the US and Canada. Our goal is to double that number by the end of 2008. These systems were designed for virtually every imaginable set of conditions (e.g, hot, cold, arid and humid climates) and, in all cases, they have become fully integrated in the farm's routine method of operation.

The following discussion provides numerous examples of our aerated compost systems. While this page focuses on horse manure and waste bedding, the principles apply equally well to all forms of agricultural manure and, in fact, all forms of organic "waste". Examples of other agricultural, municipal and institutional compost systems are found on companion pages.

• Micro-Bin Composting (1-4 Horses)

• Aerated Bay Composting (5-40 Horses)

• Aerated Static Pile Composting (40+ Horses)