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Keeping Soil Clean:

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Use Manure and Manure-Based Compost with Caution.

Using properly prepared compost as soil amend dments can improve soil structure, increase crop yields and reduce environmental waste.

Detailed information about composting materials and methods can be found at the EPA Web site:
http://www.epa.gov/epaoswer/non-hw/composting/index.htm

National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service, a site sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, provides technical knowledge and information links: http://attra.ncat.org/soils.html

Most pathogens (microrganisms that cause disease) found in compostable materials (such as manure, produce discards, and wood chips) are killed within days or weeks of composting by use of high temperatures created during aerobic composting. A well managed compost pile requires turning and watering until it does not reheat after turning.

Research, definitions of “sidedressing” and “compost tea”, and evaluation of production practices can be found in the FDA Guidance document, “Analysis and Evaluation of Preventive Control Measures for the Control and Reduction/Elimination of Microbial Hazards on Fresh and Fresh-Cut Produce.”
http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~comm/ift3-toc.html

These are important things to remember when using compost on your produce fields.

• Using composted or treated manure is always preferable to fresh or untreated manure because composted manure carries a lower risk of pathogen contamination.
• Even mature, composted manure can carry a risk of contamination. Apply it at least 120 days before the expected harvest date.
• Maximizing the time between application of fresh manure or mature, composted manure and harvest minimizes the risk of pathogen contamination.
• Store fresh and composted manure separately and well away from and below any production area. Use containment and runoff controls as needed.
• If applying fresh manure, mix it thoroughly into the soil and wait a minimum of 60 days before planting. Fresh manure should not be used on fresh-market fruit and vegetable crops.

• Absolutely do not sidedress fresh-market fruit or vegetable crops with fresh or slurry manure, manure “tea” or mulches containing fresh manure.
• If sidedressing with compost or compost tea, ensure the material is well aged and was thoroughly composted.
• Keep records (PDF file) (need record samples) of manure and compost treatments, application rates, sources, and dates.
• Note: For more details on using compost safely and other issues please see the FDA Guidance Web site.
  http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~comm/ift3-toc.html