Land Use

Are crops grown on land that has a history of flooding?

If your land is prone to flooding, consider the risk present to the crop and water sources.

Having a written history of current and prior land uses is critical

History of land use is critical to identifying food safety risks.

Land Use Overview

When assessing food safety risks on your farm, it is important to understand current production practices as well as prior land use

Composted manure is at a much lower risk

Composted manure is at a much lower risk for contaminating crop and water sources than raw manure

The best practice is to cover and store the compost as far away as possible from water sources and produce fields

Composted manure is at a much lower risk for contaminating crop and water sources than raw manure

The best practice is to cover and store the compost as far away as possible from water sources and produce fields

Raw manure storage areas near surface water can result in water contamination

Raw manure storage areas should be at a safe distance away from surface water sources

Manure storage areas can leach pathogens into the soil wells and other water sources

There are several factors to consider when assessing your fields risk of contamination when there are manure storage areas nearby

If manure is close to production areas there is a risk of contamination

When assessing your farm's risk of contamination, there are many factors to consider

Domestic animals on adjacent land present a food safety risk

When assessing risks to your farm, some factors to consider are whether physical barriers are present

Large scale animal operations are a significant food safety risk

Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFO) have a high concentration of animals that may shed pathogens in their manure

Underground septic systems can leach chemicals and pathogens into soil and water

Produce fields should not be located within 30 feet of septic tanks

Chemicals and pathogens may leach from landfill and sewage areas

Assess the likelihood of contamination if a field is located near a landfill or treatment facility

Runoff or wind spread can contaminate your field

Monitor the field for any signs of runoff.

Flood waters can carry potential contaminants

If you farm on land with a recent history of flooding, soil should be tested before crops are grown.

Having a written history of current and prior land uses is critical

History of land use is critical to identifying food safety risks.

Finished

Final page of the Land Use Decision Tree

Are properly composted piles stored away from water sources?

Store compost as far away as possible from water sources and produce fields.

Is raw untreated manure located near surface water sources?

Raw manure storage areas near surface water can result in water contamination, either by runoff or through leaching.

Is raw untreated manure located within 200 feet of well heads?

Manure storage areas can leach pathogens into the soil, wells, and other water sources.

Is raw untreated manure located within 400 feet of produce?

If manure is close to production areas, there is a risk that it will contaminate produce by runoff or wind spread.

Are grazing lands and domestic animals located within 30 feet of produce fields?

Domestic animals on adjacent land present a food safety risk.

Are produce fields located within 1 mile of an animal operation or feedlot?

Large scale animal operations are a significant food safety risk.

Are produce fields located within 30 feet of a septic system?

Underground septic systems can leach chemicals and pathogens into soil and water.

Are produce fields located near sewage treatment facilities or landfills?

Chemicals and pathogens may leach from landfill and sewage areas to contaminate crops.

Is produce grown in fields that might receive runoff?

Runoff or wind spread can contaminate your produce field.

Land Use

It is important to know the current and past use of the land in the surrounding areas.