will this work???

[highwayman]

i get a trash can, put a lot of manure it, let it sit for a long time and use it for fertilizer? and how long to let it sit?

[longwinters]

Manure needs to sit long  enough to break down and for any weed seeds to die.  But if it were me, I would fill the garbage can up about 1/3 and then the rest of the way with water.  Let it sit for a week or so, stirring occaisionally, and then use the liquid.  I don't think the smell would appeal to any close neighbors but it would be the best use of the materials.

Long

[hillbill]

now im not sure about this but have heard that anything comeing out the south end of a ungulate{4 stomachs} is pretty much sterile as far as weed seeds go. now horse or mule poop ive heard will allow viable seeds thru.not sure about goat poo either.in most compost the temp must reach a certain temp that will kiill the weed seeds.doable but take time and not really winter thing.anybody have any info on this?

[rokefert]

They make bacterial cultures for composting that will break down the crap in a hurry.  The bacteria from work and multiplication can raise the temp to like 120 or 130 I read.  You might even be able to use the stuff that you put in septic tanks to clean them.  It might even be cheaper, but I would call the company and see if it is safe.  Im almost sure that it would be.  I think that septic culture is called Roebic.

[highwayman]

thank you longwinters. i going to have to use your method because we have a bird dog that likes to roll in this stuff and my girl friend told me she was not going to be the one to give him a bath after he was finished.

[bilmac]

I think you will be sorry if you just put manure in a garbage can and let it set. It will probably go anaerobic and make the stinkiest mess you ever want to see.

Either just broadcast the manure on your garden which is what I do, or if you feel you have to, mix it with some other organic stuff like leaves or grass clippings in a pile and stir it up occasionally. That will produce some of the sweetest nicest topsoil ever. How long depends on conditions, maybe 2 to 6 months.When you like what you see, put it on the garden.

[highwayman]

i just thought of this too. i can build a pen to keep the crazy bird dog out. i can get all the horse dung i will every need to fill it.

[HL]

Stay away from using septic tank waste. Human waste in compost can cause serious health problems. Ie:gerardia (sp?) and other viruses that won't be killed by the heat of the composting. From what I have read, the viruses that are contained in human waste, used in compost, will be absorbed into the plants from the soil and then will be ingested causing illness.

There are laws regarding the sale of human waste compost, due to what I stated above. There are also warnings to not use it on food crops.

Now, for general lawn supplement, it would be great.

And I don't see any problem using the bacterial cultures for septic tanks on regular compost, it's only beneficial bacteria.

Just thought I would throw that out there.

HL