UK and US express concern over soil contamination

After UK and US potato farmers and vegetable growers reported concerns over soil quality, recommendations have been issued about the use of compost contaminated with an herbicide, it has been reported.

Aminopyralid, which is used in both countries, has been flagged up due to its resistant nature when sprayed on crops eaten by cattle which then urinate on soil, related Lancaster Farming.

Manufacturers DowAgroSciences has now posted on its UK website that gardeners should wait for about a year before planting in aminopyralid-contaminated soil.

A report from Cornell University on the issue stated: "Livestock urine and manure may contain enough aminopyralid to injure sensitive or broadleaf plants."

It added that cattle should have three days "grazing on untreated pasture" before being moved from treated areas to those with sensitive plants.

Gardening website allotment.org.uk advises growers to check their soil by simply planting a tomato and observing the leaf quality, rather than paying "over a hundred pounds" for an evaluation.