[Stratts]

I have access to as much horse manure as I can use free of charge as I shoot rabbits at 2 stables regularly.  Either neat or mixed with straw from the stables.

Is it a good thing to use on an allotment?

As we have only just got ours would it be a good idea to dig a load in all over when we have done weeding?

Do some veg benefit while others could be harmed?

Cheers

[arugula]

Here's some reading to get you started:

http://www.allotment-garden.org/articles2/Horse_Manure_Does_It_Have_Any_Uses.php

[potatogrower]

Hi,

If its fresh then spread it on the patch and leave it until next year Feb or March. By then it would have decomposed and you can dig or rotivate it in. Horse manure does add some nutrients but it's more to do with conditioning the soil and help break it up. if you want to make you own compost then put it in the compost bin and leave for at least a year and just top it up with other rotting veggies, leaves, etc and use that for next year but judging by the size of your plot you may need quite a lot. 

[mumofstig]

the thing to ask about is if they have used any herbicide on their pastures as in the last few years there has been a problem with Aminopyralid passsing through the horses and ending up in the manure, which can ruin your allotment soil for a couple of years
It can even get in via hay that they buy to feed the hoses.

It is easy to set your mind at rest by doing a test on a sample of the manure to ensure it is safe to use..........better safe than sorry, I'd say

this link explains what to do
http://www.allotment-garden.org/garden-diary/321/testing-for-aminopyralid-in-manure/

[Stratts]

Thanks guys there's 2 massive mounds with duck board tracks around the outside to get to the top, kind of like the building of the pyramids, so the stuff at the bottom will be well rotted by now.

I can get a tipper truck from work so the volume aint a problem either.

I'll ask about the herbicide thingy too,

Cheers

[Stratts]

No herbicides used in the 7 years my mate has owned the stables so should be ok I reckon,

Cheers

[TerryB]

Still do the bean test to be sure.
I'd store it in one place until you are sure of the layout you want on your plot.   

[Stratts]

Ok will do thanks

[Kristen]

No herbicides used in the 7 years my mate has owned the stables so should be ok I reckon,

Pedantic point: They haven't bought in any hay? (or silage, although I don't suppose horses eat that!)

Manure containing aminopyralid has ruined many a vegetable patch. Its worth making 100% sure.