In-Vessel Composting
of Horse Manure

Horse manure, mixed with softwood shavings used as bedding, was collected fresh from stables in Sulphur Springs, Texas on May 11, 1998.  Prior to loading into the 3 ft. by 6 ft. in-vessel composter, the product was further mixed with 50% cedar shavings on a v/v basis.  The initial moisture content of the mix was 55%.

The composting temperature maintained approximately 135oF for 5 days prior to cooling and downloading on May 19.
 

Analysis of the compost as a soil:

Parameter
Quantity
pH
7.9
Nitrate (ppm)
7
E.C. (dSm-1)
813
P (ppm)
591
K (ppm)
1323
Ca (ppm)
2147
Mg (ppm)
371
S (ppm)
67
Na (ppm)
340

 

Analysis of the compost as a tissue:

Parameter
Quantity
N (%)
0.93
P (%)
0.27
K (%)
0.46
Ca (%)
0.79
Mg (%)
0.15
S (%)
0.11
Na (ppm)
991
Fe (ppm)
3115
Mn (ppm)
110
Zn (ppm)
73
Cu (ppm)
20