Re: RC: Re: re: manure at rides

["Duncan Fletcher" <dfletche@gte.net>]

I understand there are different time frames in biodegration (and rainfall
is not the only factor - I live on the rainy side of the Cascades) and,
again, I have no experience in Florida. Perhaps browse is in short enough
supply in Florida that deer will go after hay. Out our way, deer tend to
ignore hay - they prefer fresh food (particular roses). I don't much
appreciate week old hay or manure either - but more important than that is
what effect it has horsemen (in terms not only of real environmental risk,
but also perception and asethetics - we are sharing with other groups).
Weeks may be OK if no one else is going to be there for weeks, but not if
someone is going to be there next weekend, then days becomes the criteria.
Perhaps those of you who really think that the stuff biodegrades rapidly
should return to your site a week or two later and confirm that is the
case - you may be suprised.

Duncan Fletcher
dfletche@gte.net


----- Original Message -----
From: "Truman Prevatt, PhD"

> There are different issues in different regions. In FL and most of the SE,
> decomposition of organic material is fairly rapid. Any hay that is left is
> rapidly taken care of by deer. Manure is first picked over by birds and
within
> weeks is part of the environment.
>
> In the more arid climates that is not true.  The bottom line is if RM
wants it
> picked up, pick it up or else you won't be riding there again. If they
want it
> spread, then spread it for the birds, squirrels, etc.
>
> T
>