It is currently Thu Mar 28, 2024 7:29 am

All times are UTC - 6 hours




Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 6 posts ] 
Author Message
PostPosted: Mon Sep 26, 2011 6:20 am 
Offline

Joined: Fri Jan 28, 2011 8:46 am
Posts: 1
Location: Flower Mound,TEXAS
We were given horse manure to use in our compost pile. The manure was contaminated with some sort of weed killer that also affected most of our vegetable plants in the spring/summer. How long will it take for the effects of this weed killer to dissapate? Anyone know?


Top
 Profile  
 
PostPosted: Sat Nov 12, 2011 4:55 pm 
Offline
Moderator
Moderator

Joined: Mon Mar 10, 2003 8:15 am
Posts: 964
Location: Odenville,Alabama
Within 6-12 months, any type of biodegradable matter will safely break down in a good active aerobic compost pile.

My compost piles are so hot, that they break down the organic matter in 2-3 months, no matter where I get the manure.

My raised beds are proof that all the right beneficial aerobic microbes and other healthy soil organisms are balanced and thriving in my no-till system.

_________________
The entire Kingdom of God can be totally explained as an Organic Garden (Mark 4:26)
William Cureton


Top
 Profile  
 
PostPosted: Sat Jan 21, 2012 6:09 pm 
Offline
Moderator
Moderator

Joined: Tue Mar 18, 2003 3:45 pm
Posts: 2884
Location: San Antonio,TEXAS
Hey Cap'n. We hardly ever talk anymore!!

There are two broadleaf herbicides used in grass pastures here that are persistent through animal digestion and persist in the compost for years. 6-12 months is not enough time for those two. They are picloram (PICK low ram) and clopyramid (klow pyramid). Clopyramid was supposedly taken off the market several years ago. Picloram is still very popular. You can get it at any feed store.

_________________
David Hall
Moderator
Dirt Doctor Lawns Forum


Top
 Profile  
 
PostPosted: Sat Feb 11, 2012 11:11 am 
Offline

Joined: Sat Mar 27, 2004 8:11 am
Posts: 1
Location: Guadalupe County
We had a horse, fed on local and commercially purchased hay, let the manure sit in the open stall for about a year, then moved it to an outside pile for about two years. Nothing is growing on it - not a weed, not a mushroom, and there are no grubs, no worms in it. Even the dreaded grasses are trying to grow over it, not setting roots. We intend to spread it onto a paddock area that will have chickens free ranging over it - does this sound like a good idea? When we used it in raised beds, seeds sprouted, died. We had planted turnips, parsnips, carrots, etc.


Top
 Profile  
 
PostPosted: Tue Feb 14, 2012 10:54 pm 
Offline
Moderator
Moderator

Joined: Tue Mar 18, 2003 3:45 pm
Posts: 2884
Location: San Antonio,TEXAS
Picloram and clopyralid are both broad leaf herbicides. Grass should grow fine where the contaminated compost goes. But don't apply within 60 feet of any tree canopies.

If the chickens are free ranging, they may choose to go elsewhere. Write back and let us know how they do.

_________________
David Hall
Moderator
Dirt Doctor Lawns Forum


Top
 Profile  
 
PostPosted: Tue Feb 21, 2012 9:57 am 
Offline

Joined: Tue Feb 21, 2012 9:00 am
Posts: 6
if compost is not "fully composted" and "fully cured" it can be toxic to plants. the issue is that the microorganisms in the compost are so 'busy' with the compost that they do not well feed the plants. also, you can have concentrations of substances that are toxic to plants. however, barring the presence of "long lived" chemicals, if the compost is piled up enough to hold the heat and is not too wet, then the pile should get quite hot and the resulting compost should then be left to "cure". the 'field test' for "fully cured" compost is to turn the pile and it does not "re-heat". then let is just sit for at least 30 days to cure and the resulting compost should be able to be applied to the soil and immediately planted with only positive outcomes. the compost should improve soil tilth, improve microbiological activity, and provide "slow release" minerals and other nutrients to the plants via the microorganisms in the soil. horse manure is almost an "idea" blend of Carbon and Nitrogen and usually also has an excellent structure to allow for good air and moisture in the pile.


Top
 Profile  
 
Display posts from previous:  Sort by  
Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 6 posts ] 

All times are UTC - 6 hours


Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 1 guest


You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot post attachments in this forum

Search for:
Jump to:  
cron
Powered by eWeblife