All compost is not the same. Proper composting eliminates
pathogens in animal fecal material. For that matter it eliminates
human pathogens--but metals don't go away.Good management practice
for composting (and the California Composting Regulations)
require windrow compost piles be maintained for two weeks at
temperatures high enough to kill human and plant pathogens. Weed
seeds become inviable at those temperatures as well.
> Contaminated manure combined with no or improper
> composting is the prime reason why we are seeing pathogens spreading
> to non-animal products (ie. fruits and vegies)
Manure, aged manure, or manure that is allowed to compost over a
year or two, will probably not be pathogen-free.
The California Compost Quality Council is attempting to ensure
compost producers not only follow the State regulations but go beyond
to fully disclose materials used to make their compost.Yard
trimmings collected in towns and cities can be used to make
compost without pathogens or harmful metal concentrations.
Herbicides or pesticides break down during the composting process as
well, leaving a worthwhile product for landscapers or farmers. The
California Council of Organic Farmers partipated in setting the
parameters for full disclosure and for third party verification of
compost products and process for the Compost Quality Council.
Several compost producers are proudly displaying the seal showing
their participation.
PJ
> From: Aquatfs <Aquatfs@aol.com>
> Date: Fri, 10 Apr 1998 13:08:28 EDT
> To: sksnow@1stnet.com, sanet-mg@amani.ces.ncsu.edu
> Subject: Re: metals, other toxics in animal manures?
> In a message dated 98-04-10 11:57:22 EDT, sksnow@1stnet.com writes:
>
> << However, what synthethic substances that may also
> contain heavy metals, such as arsenic, are give to livestock and
> why? >>
>
> I think that this is an excellent question. I am a firm believer
> that organic farming must limit inputs from organic farms only.
> There is a vast difference between manure sourced from
> conventionally versus organically raised animals. Furthermore, I
> don't think that composting eliminates all of the problems. One
> problem you did not list is the issue of pathogens in animal fecal
> material. Contaminated manure combined with no or improper
> composting is the prime reason why we are seeing pathogens spreading
> to non-animal products (ie. fruits and vegies). And no, I don't
> endorse the ag business rationale that it is the wild animals that
> roam in the fields that are the only source of contamination.
>
> Thanks for raising this issue.
>
> Alan Ismond, P.Eng.
>
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Pat Jones
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