Laserfiche WebLink
Manure and Pasture Management for Recreational Horse Owners Page 2 0�5 ` <br /> Manure should be spread evenly on cropland and incorporated into the soil to <br /> maximize its nutritional benefits to crops and minimize odor pollution. However, <br /> some horse owners may not have enough land to spread manure without <br /> overapplying, which creates a pollution hazard. If this is the case, rotationally <br /> grazing horses in pastures can help minimize manure buildup and manure- <br /> . handling costs. If you have very little land, you might need to compost manure <br /> to reduce its nitrogen content and volume. Or you may wish to hire a pickup <br /> service or find a nearby landowner or farmer who can make productive use of <br /> your horse's manure (Figure 1). <br /> Figure 2. <br /> How nitrogen (N) & phosphorus (P) enter <br /> water supplies <br /> ValetllkaR6an <br /> Lend � —"-- <br /> �r�d �—'��-�-�-��- —.� <br /> "'�""z c:r-- ��.orr <br /> �� <br /> �� <br /> r.r.new _: �� <br /> I.awng te .,,�L <br /> gro+u+awatar �� <br /> Horse manure is an excellent nutrient source for pastures and other field crops <br /> when properly applied at the optimum time and in the correct amounts. It <br /> contains nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, and micronutrients, and is <br /> high in organic matter. Proper application of manure's nutrients can help reduce <br /> the need for costly supplemental fertilizers. Organic matter provided by manure <br /> enhances soil structure and water- and nutrient-holding capacity, reducing the <br /> soil's susceptibility to erosion. Overall soil quality is enhanced with manure <br /> applications. <br /> Environmental Concerns <br /> The nutrients in manure that boost plant growth can be a pollution hazard if the <br /> manure is improperly handled (Figure 2). For example, if manure is overapplied <br /> to fields, nitrogen in the form of nitrates can move into the soil and eventually <br /> into groundwater, a major source of drinking water for many rural homes and <br /> communities. Consumption of water with high nitrate levels can reduce the <br /> http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/naturalresources/components/7540_02.htrn1 1/17/2013 <br />