The manure has nutrient value and can be used to fertilize the pasture if you have the capability to collect and distribute it. Over a year's period, a sedentary horse will excrete about 32 pounds of nitrogen (about half of which will be lost through volatilization) and 11 pounds of phosphate fertilizer equivalent. Thus, if the manure can be distributed, it would provide some fertilizer value. Check with your local Cooperative Extension office or state land-grant university for pasture fertilizer recommendations specific to your state. This Web site Manure Nutrient Management Articles is a good resource for additional information on manure nutrient availability.
Be cautious in your storage of manure. Manure contains nutrients and pathogens that present a risk to water quality. Store this manure in a remote location from any surface water or wells. Ensure that there is a good grass buffer, the wider the better, between the manure storage and water sources. If the stored manure can be covered (e.g., in a shed or with a tarp), manure risk to water can be substantially reduced. When manure is spread, ensure that it is done uniformly at a rate recommended for your location, and maintain a grass buffer of at least 30 feet between the area of application and any water source.
Additional information on managing manure on small livestock farms is available at Small Farm Environmental Issues Articles.
Author: Rick Koelsch, University of Nebraska
