Ecological Stewardship in Circular Systems: A Collaborative Study in Manure Composting
2025

Hosted at the Tamaya Horse Rehab on the Santa Ana Pueblo, this project contained two parts: understanding how composting works in arid regions at a scientific level and fostering a circular economy at the local level.

Photo: Ecological Stewardship in Circular Systems: A Collaborative Study in Manure Composting
Hosted at the Tamaya Horse Rehab on the Santa Ana Pueblo, this project contained two parts: understanding how composting works in arid regions at a scientific level and fostering a circular economy at the local level. The rehab is home to over 40 horses, alongside cows, chickens, goats, and sheep. With many animals comes much more animal waste, but the rehab didn't have a purpose for it at the time. In phase I, we spent a month designing and executing a project to test mediums and methods of composting to determine which would produce the highest quality compost the fastest. Six 1:1:1-meter plots were established; three cow and three horse. Both types were split into three conditions: uncovered, covered with composting fabric, and covered with plastic. The plots were watered and turned once a week, and were tested the day before, the day of watering, and the two days following watering. Each plot was tested for pH, conductivity, temperature, and moisture content. Five replicates were taken from each plot at the top, north, east, south, and west. While most of the variables were tested in the field, pH was tested in a lab. Totaling 30 samples each day, the tubes were filled with water, vortexed, filtered, and tested in the lab the same day. Aggregate samples of each plot were also saved for microbial archival in the Museum of Southwestern Biology. We found that horse manure covered in plastic yielded the best results. By the end of the experiment, it had exhibited microbial activity, mycelial activity, hosted mole crickets and several species of isopods, and had begun sprouting its own alfalfa. Phase II focused on promoting circularity throughout the community. The rehab wants to cultivate its own green space, which helps combat high temperatures and flooding. Another issue the rehab faces is horse flies. Not only do horses get bitten, but their eyes are targeted for egg laying. Keeping plants like rosemary and chrysanthemum around acts as a repellant garden. In collaboration with the UNM Lobo Gardens, the rehab will provide manure in exchange for seeds to facilitate this goal. We aim to continue outreach with local farms and gardens to close resource gaps free of monetary incentives.