Rotational grazing, pasture dragging, and composting are three examples of best management practices. The Montgomery SCD can work with you to design and place alternative water sources in your pastures, to protect nearby streams and ponds. This concrete gravity-fed trough straddles the fenceline to provide ample water to two pastures. Your local Soil Conservation District can visit your farm and offer recommendations about which management practices will help improve the quality of your local streams. The Montgomery Soil Conservation District has several staff members available to work with horse owners.
Manure management is a growing concern for owners of horse properties.
The Montgomery SCD can discuss with you the manure management options that will work best for your farm. This manure storage structure was built for a large boarding operation in eastern Montgomery County. Equine Outreach Specialist Allison Rogers can tell you about the best management practices that will help keep soil, nutrients and pollutants out of local streams and the Chesapeake Bay and about any programs available to help land owners afford to implement these measures. Equine Planner Eddie Franceschi can design a conservation plan for your property that will include these recommendations. Technician Paul Meyer is available to design stream crossings, manure storage structures, and runoff diversions.