The Covered Yard

Categories: CARE OF STABLE MANURE

If the possible value of manure were realized,

provision for its care would be made as promptly and surely as

provision for the care of a harvested crop. There are only three

conditions that must be provided in order that manure may be preserved

without much loss. The manure must be protected from leaching rains, it

must be kept moist, and air must be excluded. The exposure of stable

manure to the processes of fermenta ion and leaching, produces a waste

that is believed to amount to several hundreds of millions of dollars

in the United States annually. The day will come when no farmer will be

willing to share heavily in a loss from this source, but will either

spread manure fast as made or provide a roof for the stored manure. An

absolutely tight floor is not so great a necessity as it is in the

stable, because the amount of moisture is under control, but many

farmers prefer to make concrete floors for the manure-shed and thus to

guard against any loss from leaching. The chief cost may be confined to

the roof.



A better plan is to inclose three sides, making them so tight that all

drafts will be prevented, and to use the shed as a place of exercise

for cows or other livestock. We have learned within recent years that

such an inclosure is more healthful and comfortable for cattle than

stalls in an inclosed building, no matter how cold the weather may be.

The fresh air without any drafts, and the liberty of movement, are

needed. This shed should be connected with the stable, and on its floor

the manure from the stables may be spread daily. It should be scattered

evenly over the surface, and the mass can be kept firm by the tramping

of the animals. It may be necessary to add some water at intervals to

keep the mass sufficiently moist. The water excludes air and assists in

holding harmful fermentation in check.