Using manure on paddocks

[FFAQ]

Hello everyone,
I have some questions for those of you who use your muck heaps to fertilise your paddocks.
1/ how long do you let the muck heap rot before spreading it on the field?
2/ what is the best time of year to fertilise?
3/ how long do you keep the horses off the paddock after you've fertilised?

I have 2 3 acre paddocks and am anticipating that the horses will have roughly 6 months in each one - one for winter, one for summer. I thought it makes sense to spread the manure after moving them to their new paddock?

Thanks in advance for advice!

 

[Polos Mum]

The older it is the better, we moved into a place that had a 4 y/o muck heap, it was like compost - really nice. The heat kills worm eggs, weed seeds etc.

I would guess at least 12 months would be ideal.

We spread ours once a year in early spring onto the winter fields and then rest them for at least 4-5 months.

I spy on local farmers and largely copy what they do - working out when they have muckspread is usually easy !!

 

[Goldenstar]

I did it for years but not every year
Well rotted and old and then spread on the winter field in the spring .
The field then had six months rest .
It really improved the soil which is a clay with very little top soil over. The thirty years we did it .
I don’t do it now I got sick of the muck heap so have it carted away instead of storing it .

 

[FFAQ]

Thanks! We're on clay soil too, so it would be great if it helps improve the soil quality