Before you head out with your wheelbarrow, let’s talk COMPOST – WHAT IS IT?
Simply put, composting is a decomposition process caused by bacterial and fungal organisms. Large amounts of organic matter can be reduced in a relatively short time to a pile of black, crumbly humus, which makes an ideal soil conditioner. The decomposition of organic matter adds large amounts of nutrients to the soil. Compost (decomposed organic matter) added to soil benefits the soil’s water holding characteristics and improves the structure due to the humus-containing substances which cause aggregation (sticking together) of soil particles. In clay soil this means the microscopic individual particles clump together and more air spaces will be opened up between aggregates. Compost contains humic acid and other organic acids, which help degrade compounds naturally present in the soil into simpler forms that plants use readily.
Horse manure compost – is it safe to use?
When fully composted, yes. But many horse owners do not have the time or equipment to fully compost stall waste (horse manure and wood shavings from bedding.) You may need to finish the composting process on your property by keeping the material moist and aerating it by turning the compost pile. check with multiple horse owners for compost that fits your needs. Completed composted material will be dark brown, light and fluffy. Ideally, there should be no discernible pieces of the original material and should have a pleasant earthy smell, not a foul odor.
This program has been developed by the Prince William Soil & Water Conservation District in the interest of protecting water quality. for more information about District services, or to add your name to their email list, contact them at 8850 Rixlew Lane, Manassas, VA 20109, (571)379-7514. or email them at pwswcd@pwswcd.org.
Free Organic Compost – Please call for availability:
These local farmers have free composted manure they would like to share with their neighbors. Contact farms for information about the current condition of the compost and pickup details.
Nokesville:
- Robin Lancaster – 703-754-7776
- Jimmie Jones – 240-565-5480
- Amy Fries – 571-505-1428
- Alcinda Hatfeld – 703-618-7165
- Renee Small – 703-943-6601
- Deborah Whelihan – 703-594-0419
Manassas:
- Bonnie Fulford – 703-361-7409
- Caryll Semmler – 910-520-0639
Gainesville:
- Sara Brown – 703-819-6698
- Edith Kennedy – 703-754-7645
- Squirrel’s Nest Farm – Karen Bewick – 703-609-6300
Haymarket:
- Vicki Rosner – 703-565-4140
- Debbie Craig – 540-270–117
Farms Outside Prince William County – Clifton:
- Caroline Squair – 703-815-0235