horse manure question

[rockpilefarmer]

Originally Posted by idigbeets

Also, just a note w/ the compost tea....

Whenever I've made tea (not that often mind you) I've always aerated it with a small air pump and air stone. I was told ages ago that's the best way to do it... Thoughts?

YES! Anything standing in this heat can go septic in no time. Aeration is always a good thing. Keep the good bugs happy and healthy.

[Train]

Originally Posted by BalconyFarmer

Is it straight horse manure, or horse manure mixed with bedding materials? Horse manure has a relatively low nitrogen content--its C:N ratio (carbon-to-nitrogen) ranges from 22-50: 1, depending on bedding materials and diet.

In general, anything with a C:N ratio of 30:1 won't burn plants when added to the garden. If the manure has sawdust or straw mixed in, it's safe to mix into the soil between rows in small amounts, away from the plant roots. If it doesn't, I'd pile it and compost it for a few months. Cover it with a tarp so the rain doesn't leach out all the nitrogen.

Ya

I have heard this before, many times.
I happen to have had the same
experience many others have had.
A burnt patch!
Horse manure with or without bedding
and most is with is so hot it can even
be felt through gloves.
What ever the belief it is always better
to be on the safe side.
I used to buy this stuff buy the trailer
load and would never advise anyone
to use it straight as it will be far to hot.
If you need a manure to use right now
it's not horse manure or even cow
manure.
Alpaca and rabbit can be and there are
a couple more so the need of risk need
never be taken.
The only thing bedding does is absorb
urine and that makes it hotter.
Don't try this if your dependent on a crop!
Train

[lorri d]

Thank you for all of the advice. For some reason, I was thinking horse manure wasn't very hot. I have the best garden I have ever done so far, so I have already decided to play it safe and I have added it to my compost pile.

I will be able to collect 1 wheel-barrow a week from my new friends and now I some great options on how to use it safely : )

You guys are great!