Mud Management
Mr. Eddie FranceschiEquine Resource ConservationistMontgomery Soil Conservation District
What is Mud?
Wet Soft Sticky soil
Location of Mud on the Farm
Next to Buildings Gates and Fence Lines Pastures Trails
How to reduce muddy areas
Restrict access of animals to wet areas. (Ponds, streams, marshes, wetlands, woodlands and pastures)
Install a water crossing device.
(bridge, culvert or ford) Create a travel lane that can withstand
the traffic and soil compaction from horses.
Maintain the conservation practice.
Next to Buildings
Roof runoff from buildings creates muddy areas around the structure.
Install roof runoff management system. Gutters, downspouts and pipe to
remove water away from the building.
Proper drainage away from the building.
Roof Runoff Problem
Roof Runoff System
Roof Runoff System
Next to Buildings
Heavily traffic areas have high levels of soil compaction, thus no vegetation can survive.
Install an impervious surface Concrete, asphalt, gravel or any other
surface.
Compacted and Eroded Path
Gate Area Erosion
Fence Line Erosion
Fence Line Erosion Problem
Heavy Used Area Protection
Gates and Fence Lines
Area with high soil compactionInstall Heavy Used Area ProtectionReseed areas
Pastures
Low areas in the topography Steep topography Feeding areas Overgrazing Climatic conditions
Low Lying and Wet Areas
Low Lying and Wet Areas
Feeding Areas in the Pasture Field
Feeding Areas in the Pasture Field
Overgrazing and Climatic Conditions in the Pasture Field
Overgrazing and Climatic Conditions in the Pasture Field
Trails
Maintain water velocity and drainages under control
Climatic Conditions
Trail Maintenance
Climatic Conditions