EQUINE BEDDING MATERIALS EFFECT ON PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF COMPOSTED STALL WASTE
Natural Resources/Aquaculture
Stephen Komar
Agricultural Agent
newton
Abstract
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 2009, a study was conducted to evaluate the effects that bedding materials have on the physical and chemical properties of composted equine stall waste. Four bedding materials were evaluated including straw, a pelletized straw product, wood shavings and a pelletized wood product. Although not significant (P=.41), numerical differences were observed in final mass. Significant reductions in organic matter were observed in the pelletized straw (P=.003) and the straw bedding (P=<.001). Composting resulted in significant reductions in final C:N ratio for all bedding materials with the greatest reductions occurring in the straw bedding materials. Differences were also observed in TKN, total phosphorus and potassium. Bedding materials appear to influence the physical and chemical properties of composted equine stall waste.
Authors: Komar Jr, S. J.
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Komar Jr, S. J. Agricultural Agent, Rutgers Cooperative Extesnion, New Jersey, 8863