RDI projects
RDI projects
#savoniaAMK
Project Information |  |
| Name | Composting horse manure with feed mixer wagon - Creating profits from horse manure |
| Start | 1.3.2024 |
| End | 28.2.2026 |
| Website | - |
| Status | Running |
| Contact | Kaisa Hyvönen |
| Description | Transitioning away from the use of peat for energy weakens the peat industry overall. Therefore, horse stables that have been using peat material for bedding require new bedding solutions. Even with the current bedding options, it is challenging for some horse stables to handle and dispose of manure due to the risk of spreading waste oats and other weeds. Additionally, the depletion of soil nitrogen in the decomposition process of wood-based bedding poses a problem. In terms of fertilizer use, horse manure is currently one of the most under-utilized inputs. Based on market and environmental needs, this project seeks new solutions for the further use of horse manure with existing and new bedding materials. Moreover, the project focuses on the further possible uses of horse manure, especially in arable farming and horticulture.
The overall goal of the project is to make it easier to transition from peat-based bedding by supporting the introduction of new bedding options and improving the possibilities of additional uses of manure. Furthermore, the project goal is to support sustainable circular economy solutions by improving fertilizer availability and self-sufficiency. Finally, the project also aims to generate knowledge about horse manure utilization that facilitates cooperation between new businesses and farms. According to a thesis completed in the spring of 2022, it is possible to expedite the composting of horse manure by using repurposed feed mixers. This also makes the pulp more uniform in quality and smaller in storage volume. Used feed mixers are reasonable in terms of investment cost, therefore the project focuses especially on utilizing the feed mixer in manure composting. Drum composters are clearly more expensive in terms of investment compared to feed mixers, and their productivity and profitability largely depend on the number of horses. Because of this, it is necessary to look for alternatives to drums that are lower in investment costs and suitable for stables with varying numbers of horses. The project investigates the quality requirements of further uses and commercial applications of composted horse manure. By using testing equipment and technology, the project optimizes the composting process and ensures the quality of the resulting end-products. In addition, information is collected on good and cost-effective manure composting practices as well as the quality and nutrient contents of the composted manure. In the project, at least two different bedding options are tested to evaluate how different bedding affects the composting process and the final product. Based on tests, the project discovers what happens to the composted horse manure biologically, chemically and biochemically. Laboratory tests are conducted to determine which nutrients, germinating seeds, or other ingredients the composted manure contains that are relevant to quality requirements. The project results in an optimized composting process through the use of a feed mixer. Tests and investigations provide information on the monitoring and implementation of quality requirements, as well as information on possible further uses of composted horse manure. The goal of the project is to make greater use of horse manure in fertilizer beyond its current usage (thereby improving fertilizer self-sufficiency), facilitate the further utilization of manure in different types of stable bedding, and promote cooperation between farms and businesses through new opportunities. The project aims to solve the challenge that is the under-utilization of horse manure for nutrient use, including in the worst cases in which the manure is improperly disposed of altogether. The project is implemented by Savonia University of Applied Sciences. Hevostietokeskus and several stable companies from different parts of North Savo are committed partners. |
| Partners | Pääasiallisina kohderyhminä ja ensisijaisina hyödynsaajina ovat hevostallit, maatilat, puutarhat ja uusia yritysideoita etsivät. Välillisinä kohderyhminä ovat neuvojat mm. hevosalan liitot ja konemyyjät. Hankkeen markkinointia tehdään Pohjois-Savon alueella. Tiedonhankintaa tehdään kansallisella ja kansainvälisellä tasolla. Koska tiedotus hoidetaan pääosin digitaalisten välineiden avulla, saavuttaa tieto myös Pohjois-Savon ulkopuoliset alueet. |
| Funded by | JTF FR 40% 2021-27 palkkojen yksikkökust.malli |