How long for manure to rot?

[redimp]

I have a small heap of a about three sacks of horse manure.  It is covered with plastic and gets a lot of sun.  How long will it take to rot down?  I have never had manure before as my garden does not justify it.

[redimp]

[sandersj89]

Do you know what the horse was bedded down on?

Wood shavings can take well over a year to compost where as shredded paper lots less time.

Jerry

[redimp]

Just been up and had a look and it looks like straw.

[philcooper]

With that small amount it could take till the Autumn, with a larger amount you would build up more heat and it would compost more quickly.

I've just finished building a cubic yard pile of strawy horse manure (a local horsey person dumps bags full of the fresh stuff at this tiem of year on our plot)

I usually leave it to use in the Spring when it is really well rotted

Phil

[djbrenton]

You might consider adding layers of it as you build a compost heap. It'll help the compost and rot down quicker given the greater size and heat.

[redimp]

I am hoping not to use to much - I want to use plant fertilizers as far as possible as I like to keep animal products out of my gardening.  However, I do know that my comfrey (when established) will need some and that my squashes love it so I am prepared to aquire a few bags per year.

[Svea]

hmm, i wouldnt call manure an animal product, myself....???

[redimp]

Manure, most horse manure excluded, is generally obtained as a by-product of the intensive farming of animals - I am a vegetarian so these manure will be a virtual no-no although in my first year I do not think I have much choice.

I am going to try and get by by the use of vegetable manures and feeds.

[sandersj89]

Manure, most horse manure excluded, is generally obtained as a by-product of the intensive farming of animals - I am a vegetarian so these manure will be a virtual no-no although in my first year I do not think I have much choice.

I am going to try and get by by the use of vegetable manures and feeds.

Speaking as a farmers son and some one with a certain level of knowledge in that field, manure is more often than not a product of "intensive" farming. Indeed it is more often a by product of "extensive" systems. In intensive systems slurry is a more common by product and will be used on the land direct. Manure is too expensive to manage in intensive systems, in terms of clearance, storage and distribution.

If you are very worried have a look at products such as 6X manure, this is organic standard manure and very good. It is widely available in garden centers.

Jerry

[redimp]

Thanks for info - is the same true for chicken manure?  I would assume not.

[sandersj89]

Thanks for info - is the same true for chicken manure?  I would assume not.

I do have a bit of a problem with pelleted chicken manure, most of which is collected from more intensive systems. You can find organic chicken manure again and I do use it, mind you I now have my own hens busy producing plenty of muck to compost.

I am no fan of intensive farming and would not use the manure from hens kept in that way. If at all worried contact the manufacturer or try and source a local direct supplier.

Jerry

[wardy]

Chicken muck is great but it's very strong so has to be used sparingly.  My mate usually distributes this, and sheep muck, at the allotments where there are always grateful recipients.  Maybe your lotty neighbours can help.  :)   Are you using green manures yet?

I got my manure from the farmer down the road and I know he's not an intensive farmer so I feel happy with the muck.  Also most local stables give manure away and I am lucky enough again to have a neighbour who brings me manure from her two ponies.  If you stay local and know how the stuff is produced, and you know it's not full of chemicals then  that's all to the good.

Your home made compost and nettle and or comfrey tea will all be good stuff for you to use on your plot  :)

[westsussexlottie]

We get our chicken manure from family hens. Also horse manure from a friend who rides. Cow manure from a local organic dairy farm (friends of mine).
So I guess we are lucky.
We just have to wait for it to all rot down.

[wardy]

WSL   I have used new manure for my no dig beds as I saw them doing on the Allotment DVD.  They put spuds straight in it.  I have done the same and my spuds are growing nicely.  I shall also be planting courgettes, french beans and corn in it too.  Although it has been out on the plot for a couple of months weathering but it's not what you'd call rotted.  When I did my spuds in it it was very fresh  :)

You can plant courgettes and cucumbers in the top of your compost bin too

[derbex]

Wardy,

I did this last year (with courgettes and spuds) and it worked well. I'm going to do it again this year for the squash.

The problem I had with the spuds was the mice nesting in it. They got the midnight munchies and the spuds were just to hand  >:(

I get a fair amount of grass clippings too, and I tend to spread them on the fresh manure to help the shavings break down.

Jeremy

[wardy]

I'll probably get mice too as this allotment of mine has been untended for years so it's rich in wildlife  ;D