EQUINE BEDDING MATERIALS EFFECT ON PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF COMPOSTED STALL WASTE
Applied Research
Stephen Komar
Agricultural Agent
newton
Abstract
\r\n In recent years new bedding materials have been marketed to the equine industry. Limited research has been conducted to evaluate how composting impacts the physical and chemical properties of these materials. In 2010, a study was conducted to evaluate the effects that bedding materials have on the physical and chemical properties of composted equine stall waste. Two bedding materials were evaluated including a pelletized straw product and wood shavings. Materials were composted for 110 days using an aerobic composting system. Differences were observed in final mass, organic matter, particle size distribution and several chemical parameters including TKN, nitrate-N, carbon and pH.. Composting resulted in significant reductions in final C:N ratio for all bedding materials with the greatest reductions occurring in the straw-based material. Bedding materials appear to influence the physical and chemical properties of composted equine stall waste and can have dramatic impacts on the potential of using composted equine stall waste as a soil amendment.
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Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC
This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.
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Authors: S.J. Komar
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Komar, S. Agricultural Agent, Rutgers University, New Jersey, 07860