UC Elkus Ranch

Elkus Ranch Debuts New Compost Bunker

We are pleased to announce the (near) completion of our new Manure Composting Bunker (Woo-hoo)! This effort was initiated and funded in part by the San Mateo County Resource Conservation District (RCD) in partnership with UC Agriculture and Natural Resources and Elku Ranch. 

The project site - approximately 1,000 SF - is hard to miss as it graces the side of our upper barn and includes a (3) stall bunker with the capacity to house roughly 5,500 CF of “aging to perfection” livestock compost. This effort moves our compost piles away from their previous location along the upper redwood area and adjacent, seasonal creek, thereby reducing any detrimental runoff.  New fencing will complete the project and separate the bunker area from the animal contact yard – seen here with temporary fencing in the photo.

 

This new manure and bedding management system will be incorporated into our educational tours, highlighting the compost process as part of our recycling commitment and as a part of our long-term carbon offset goals.  In addition, thanks to a San Mateo County Office of Sustainability 4-Rs grant, we will soon have a manure spreader attachment for our tractor which will enable us to spread this compost on our pastures, improving overall soil fertility, water retention, and potential for carbon sequestration.