Soil Amendments

Runoff leachate and wind spread from raw manure piles can result in contamination

To reduce risks, manure piles should be physically contained and covered to protect them from rainfall and wind

Soil Amendments Overview

A soil amendment refers to any material added to the soil to improve its physical or chemical properties

Recordkeeping is critical to keeping track of soil amendment applications

Utilize the Soil Amendment Application Log for your food safety plan

Composted manure is less likely to contaminate crop and water sources

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

Finished or curing compost should be covered

If you store finished or curing compost on your farm, it should be covered to prevent recontamination of the pile

Composting manure reduces food safety risks

Composting manure reduces food safety risks by reducing the likelihood that pathogens are present

If you get your compost from a supplier ask for documentation

If you get your compost from a supplier, ask for documentation

Go to Question 16

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

Raw manure storage areas should be a safe distance away from the surface water source

Manure storage areas can leach pathogens

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

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

Manure should not be close to production areas

Manure applied to fields that are water saturated can contaminate surrounding areas

Manure applied to fields that are water saturated or prone to flooding can leach and contaminate surrounding production areas and water sources

Raw manure presents a food safety risk

Raw manure contains pathogens that can contaminate fresh produce

State in plan no raw animal manure is used on the farm

State in plan "No raw animal manure is used on the farm"

Storage facilities should be inspected weekly

Storage facilities should be inspected weekly to check for spills to reduce risks of chemical contamination

Fertilizers must be protected from the weather

Produce can be contaminated if handled or stored near fertilizer

No inorganic fertilizer is used on the farm

State in your plan that no inorganic fertilizer is used on the farm

Finished

Final question for Soil Amendments

Do you keep records of the following?

Recordkeeping is critical to keeping track of soil amendment applications

Is compost stored at least 30 feet from produce fields and 80 feet from water sources?

Cover and store the compost as far away as possible from water sources and produce fields

Do you keep finished compost under covered storage?

Finished compost should be covered to prevent recontamination of the pile

Do you process compost manure properly?

Composting manure reduces food safety risks by reducing the likelihood that pathogens are present

Is the composting process done on your farm?

If you get your compost from a supplier, ask for documentation

Do you use composted manure or compost manure on your farm?

Do you compost manure on your farm?

Is raw untreated manure separated from surface water sources?

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

Is raw untreated manure located at least 200 feet from well heads?

Be sure the well is properly constructed and capped to reduce risks of well contamination

Is raw untreated manure located at least 400 feet from produce fields?

If manure is close to production areas, there is a risk that it will contaminate produce

Is raw untreated manure covered and physically contained?

Manure piles should be physically contained and covered to protect them from rainfall and wind

Do you avoid spreading raw untreated manure on fields?

Manure applied to fields that are water saturated can leach and contaminate surrounding production areas

Do you incorporate raw untreated manure into the soil at least 1 year before harvest?

Raw manure contains pathogens that can contaminate fresh produce

Do you use raw untreated manure on the farm?

Raw manure presents a safety risk

Are inorganic fertilizer storage facilities checked weekly and cleaned when necessary?

Storage facilities should be inspected weekly

Are inorganic fertilizers stored away from produce?

Produce can be contaminated if handled or stored near fertilizer

Do you use inorganic fertilizer?

A soil amendment refers to any material added to the soil to improve its physical or chemical properties