Balanced Eco Solutions

Higher organic matter in equine pastures benefits horses by improving soil health, which in turn leads to more nutrient dense forage. This improves pasture structure, water retention, aeration, and microbial activity, all while reducing compaction, erosion, and runoff. Ultimately, this translates to better overall forage quality for horses. [1, 2, 3]

• Improved water retention: Organic matter helps sandy or clay soils retain more moisture, making it available for plant growth. 
• Better drainage and aeration: It creates a crumbly soil structure that allows for better water drainage and air circulation. 
• Reduced compaction: The improved structure resists soil compaction from hooves, making it more resilient. 
• Lower erosion and runoff: A healthy, dense pasture with high organic matter protects the soil from erosion and reduces nutrient runoff. 
• Nutrient release: Organic matter acts as a slow-release reservoir of nutrients, which are made available to plants through microbial activity. [1, 3, 4, 5]  

• Nutrient-dense forage: Healthy soil leads to healthier, more nutrient-rich plants, which are more digestible for horses. 
• Reduced need for supplements: Healthy pastures can meet more of a horse's nutritional needs, potentially reducing the need for supplements and concentrates. 
• Improved energy: When pastures are managed for optimal forage quality, they can provide the necessary energy for horses. [1, 2, 6, 7, 8]  

• Apply organic materials: Spread manure and compost from the farm onto the pastures to add organic matter. 
• Manage waste: Incorporate animal manure and stall waste into compost to use as a soil amendment. 
• Reduce soil disturbance: Minimize tilling and over-cultivation to slow the decay of existing organic matter and allow it to build up over time. [9, 10, 11]