So ... winter tasks everyone. Soil test, mud management, composting
This is a small excerpt from an article I’ve recently had published elsewhere. I’ve just copied and pasted it directly.
Hope you find it useful.
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The first task is to use winter as an opportunity to obtain a soil test. Soil testing is a relatively inexpensive way to check soil pH, which should lie within a narrow range around the neutral value of 6.4 (ever so slightly acidic). If soil is too acidic or too alkaline, our grazing will be adversely affected. Adjusting the soil pH through the application of various “adjusters” in spring will free up the essential chemicals in the soil, necessary to maintain plant health.
We should also focus on protecting our root systems by having a mud control plan over the winter months. Root systems can be damaged by heavy poaching and land compaction and this can be disastrous for spring growth. Therefore, we need to make use of our loafing areas and winter sacrifice paddocks which are used to protect our fields, especially those that are more likely to flood. Loafing areas typically have both hard and soft surfaces and are often used in preference to a stable because a horse can access clearer air. Some even use their stable yard for this purpose or turn out in an available arena, so drainage checks and guttering checks in these areas are also important.
A manure management plan over winter is also important. Many have their manure removed from the premises but this can be a completely wasted opportunity for us as horse owners and land managers to improve our soil biome by composting our stable waste effectively, ready for us to spread back onto resting land areas in spring. Remember the importance of adding organic matter back to the soil so that protozoa, nematodes and other microbial life can exchange nutrients with our grazing material. A good compost heap does not get overly wet in winter and maintains a consistent temperature. This means that some covering during the winter months will be necessary. Most who don’t have natural protection for their compost areas, for example under trees or in a roofed area, use tarpaulin to prevent run off and weigh the tarpaulin down with either bricks or even a pallet to stop the wind taking it.
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To recap
1. Soil test if you haven’t already so you know what to buy in and apply in spring
2. Organise your composting/muck heap areas,
3. Have a mud management plan. Make your loafing areas horse proof and if you must stable, at least remove as much stable dust as you can and get them aerated, clean and healthy to prevent respiratory issues and gigantic vet bills. Respiratory issues in horses are so painful for them.
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