Manure Composting for Small Horse Farms

, Mary Lusk , Carissa Wickens , andCaitlin Bainum

Release Date: 1/17/2023

Reviewed At: 8/25/2026

DOI: 10.32473/edis-ss709-2023

Water Resources

Abstract

The purpose of this new 5-page publication of the UF/IFAS Department of Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences is to present the benefits of composting horse manure on small farms and to provide guidance on how to implement manure composting. This article, the first in a two-part series, is intended for recreational horse enthusiasts managing equine on small (<20 acre) farms. Written by Erika Sakers, Mary G. Lusk, Carissa Wickens, and Caitlin Bainum.

About this Publication

This document is SL496, one of a series of the UF/IFAS Department of Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences. Original publication date January 2023. Visit the Ask IFAS website at https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu for the currently supported version of this publication. © 2026 UF/IFAS. This publication is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0

How to Cite

Sakers, E., Lusk, M. G., Wickens, C., & Bainum, C. (2023). Manure Composting for Small Horse Farms. EDIS, 2023(1). https://doi.org/10.32473/edis-ss709-2023

Authors

Erika Sakers

student assistant, UF/IFAS Department of Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences, Gainesville, FL

Mary Lusk

Contact

Specialist

University of Florida

associate professor, urban water quality, Department of Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences, UF/IFAS Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, Wimauma, FL

View Mary Lusk's Profile

Carissa Wickens

Contact

Specialist

University of Florida

associate professor and equine Extension specialist, UF/IFAS Department of Animal Sciences, Gainesville, FL

View Carissa Wickens's Profile

Caitlin Bainum

County agent

University of Florida

Extension agent II, M.S., agriculture, UF/IFAS Extension Marion County, Ocala, FL

View Caitlin Bainum's Profile

Publication #SL496