How to Make Horse Droppings Into Manure

Collecting horse droppings from your pasture not only benefits horses but also provides a good source of nitrogen-rich manure fertilizer. Removing droppings from the field will help reduce the number of flies and help prevent the pasture from becoming "horse sick," which happens when a pasture becomes overgrazed. It also will help control the worm burden among the equine population. Left alone, droppings gradually will biodegrade into manure fertilizer anyway, but you can increase the quality and yield by helping the process. This also will help prevent undigested feed from re-sprouting in the form of weeds.

Things You'll Need

  • Tape measure
  • Four sturdy wooden posts
  • Spade
  • Chicken wire
  • Scissors
  • Wire cutters
  • Twine
  • Hammer
  • Staples
  • Wheelbarrow
  • Shovel
  • Hosepipe and water
  • Pitchfork
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Make a compost bin. On a flat piece of ground, mark out a square with each side measuring 2 yards. Dig a hole at each corner, and sink a wooden post to a quarter of its length. Back fill the holes. Staple one end of the chicken wire to the first post, and unwind it around the first three sides of the square attaching it with three or four staples to each post. Unroll sufficient wire to cover the fourth side but do not staple it into place as this will be an access point. Cut off the remaining chicken wire, and tie it into position with several loops of twine.

    • 2

      Collect droppings from your pasture at least three or four times a week. Empty them into the compost bin, spreading evenly into the corners. Continue to build up the pile until it is about a yard high.

    • 3

      Water the heap in dry weather. If conditions are too dry, the droppings won't reach a high enough temperature to start the "cooking" process. This is the process that breaks down the natural nitrogen in the droppings, and makes it more stable and easy to absorb for plants. It also kills off any undigested seeds and bacteria in the droppings.

    • 4

      Turn the heap once a week with a pitchfork. This enables some oxygen to get into the center, helping the composting process work faster and more evenly. As you work the heap, you should notice that it feels warm in the center. If the heap remains cool it probably is lacking in moisture. After around six weeks, the manure should be composted and ready for use. It should have a dark brown, crumbly texture and an earthy, not unpleasant smell.