Integrating Livestock

Integrating Livestock

Integrating livestock into the garden adds valuable nutrients and soil biology. Using animal manure in the garden can be one way to incorporate livestock. Manure can be applied in the fall after harvest or in the spring as a composted manure soil amendment. An annual application of 1” or less of composted manure is usually adequate. Deeper amounts can be applied depending on your current soil conditions but a soil test is recommended.

For food safety reasons, do not apply fresh manure or partially composted manure that may still contain undecomposed material less than 120 days before harvest of any crop that comes in contact with the soil and 90 days for crops that do not come in contact with the soil.

Another way to incorporate livestock into the garden is the use of poultry or small animals like rabbits, pigs, goats, sheep, etc. Small animals can be used to control pests, reduce weed seeds, and add nutrient rich manure to the soil. Poultry and rabbits can be housed in a small, caged area near the garden to help with pest and weed control. Slightly larger livestock like pigs, goats and sheep can be used in the fall to clean up garden waste while incorporating compost into the soil and adding beneficial nutrients contained in the manure that they deposit.

Soil Health School

The 2026 Soil Health School is set for September 15-17 near Twin Brooks and Marvin, SD.

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