Using Horse Manure

[M.SeanF.]

I have access to manure from a local stable. I pretty sure it's not an organic operation. Is it safe to add the fresh manure directly to my compost pile or should I let it age for awhile first? I've read that horses are often given deworming meds that can kill earthworms. Is this true?

[rags57078]

Yes compost it . I have heard the same thing about the wormers

[brownrexx]

Yes, they are given worming meds but I am not sure how much remains in their poo. Not only that but they are not given these meds on a daily basis and they poop a LOT so you may not be getting much of the meds at all when you scoop up a pile of manure.

I have always composted it right in my compost pile with no problems.

[Cole_Robbie]

Either plant a few bean seeds in the pile, or in cups of the stuff and see how they grow. If there is herbicide contamination, the beans will grow in a twisted, gnarled fashion.

You can read more about herbicide contamination at www.manurematters.com - the site belongs to Dow Chemical.

[M.SeanF.]

Thanks for the responses. I'll try starting some beans in the compost I made from my first truckload from the stable.

Sean

[Nematode]

Many have had problems with 2-4-d in manures. It is used on hay fields for broadleaf weed control and is absolutely devastating to tomato even after it runs through the horse.