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Dan L[_2_] · 16-12-2010, 10:52 AM posted to rec.gardens.edible

Billy wrote:
In article ,
(HL B123) wrote:

Would like to hear any information on putting horse manure in vegetable
gardens as opposed to commercial fertilizers. I would like to apply it
now? thanks hlb

Now would be a good time to apply fresh manure to a garden or a compost
pile. Normally, you want your manure to be 4 to 6 months old when you
apply it, which it will be when planting time rolls around. The manure
breaks down slowly to release its plant nutrients. Chemical fertilizers
(chemferts) are water soluble and run off with the runoff, polluting
ground water, water tables, and waterways. Chemferts are responsible for
a giant "dead zone" in the gulf of Mexico at the mouth of the
Mississippi. In "organic" gardening, the idea is to feed the soil, and
let the soil feed the plants. Chemical fertilizers kill the soil and
cause erosion, but I'll save that for another time.

I am not positive on this one. I know there are laws of some sort some
where.
Are their laws for commercial food crops for WHEN to put down animal manure
down for crops. Like: cannot put manure down 30 days before planting? Or 90
days before picking? Do not put down manure on snow or after it rains?

Trying to find such information on the net, but get bogged down by tons of
legalese reading. Not just treating manure.

--
Enjoy Life... Nad R (Garden in zone 5a Michigan)