Gardeners and Allotment Holders
Growing your own vegetables is a satisfying and healthy pursuit. Your concerns about herbicide residues in the manure you use to fertilize your gardens also concern us.
In addition to our own testing, the Chemicals Regulation Directorate (previously known as Pesticides Safety Directorate) has conducted safety testing on aminopyralid.
Here are some facts, in answer to questions by gardeners and allotment holders.
What is aminopyralid?
Aminopyralid is the active ingredient in herbicides such as Forefront, Pharaoh, and Banish. They are used by farmers for effective control of deep-rooted perennial weeds in grassland, including docks, thistles, nettles, and ragwort.
Ragwort control is especially important to equine, sheep, and cattle farmers, as it can be deadly if eaten by their livestock.
When grassland is sprayed with aminopyralid, the target weeds are killed but the grass is not affected. However, when this grass is eaten by animals either out in the field or as conserved feed such as hay or silage, a small amount passes out with the resulting manure.
Aminopyralid poses no health risk to any animal that eats treated grass, but there is enough active ingredient in the manure to cause a problem for plants that are sensitive to it, such as potatoes and legumes.
You can test manure (see instructions on right) for aminopyralid residue. If you believe you have manure containing aminopyralid, please contact us.
Is aminopyralid harmful to me?
No. Studies conducted by the CRD (previously PSD) concluded that the levels of aminopyralid found in crops will not have any implications for human health, including the health of pregnant women and their babies.
However, the fruits of sensitive plants that have been affected by aminopyralid residues might not have the quality you'll want for serving at your table.
It is best to dispose of affected plants by incorporating them into the soil or via approved waste disposal methods.
Will all my plants be affected?
No. Vegetables and ornamentals such as the following are susceptible to aminopyralid residues:
- Potatoes
- Peas, beans, and other legumes
- Carrots and other umbelliferae
- Tomatoes
- Lettuce, spinach, and other compositae
- Dahlias
- Some species of roses
If you have planted any of these susceptible crops, but only some of them are affected, it is unlikely that aminopyralid is to blame for the damaged crops.
Why is aminopyralid in the manure I use?
The short answer is that they shouldn't be. Product labeling contains warnings and instructions about the use of aminopyralid. If carefully followed, these instructions should prevent residues from ever reaching your garden.
We are aware that there have been some instances of animal manure generated from pasture or forage previously treated with aminopyralid-containing herbicides being supplied to gardeners or allotment growers. We are working as a company and in collaboration with other organisations to promote awareness of the stewardship and use of this product.
When is affected manure ok to use?
Aminopyralid decomposes with the help of microorganisms found in soil. Manure that has been well-rotovated into the soil and turned over regularly is safe to use on all but the most sensitive plants after 6 months. Properly incorporated manure is considered aminopyralid free after one year.
Composting after you harvest in the fall should allow enough time for any aminopyralid present in the manure to break down, as long as you keep the soil well-rotovated or turned over frequently. However, you might wish to use suspect manure only in those areas of the garden or plot that will not be used for growing susceptible plants.
Where can I get more information?
Link to the following sites for more information about the effects of aminopyralid:
Royal Horticultural Society:
http://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profiles0708/Weedkiller-manure.asp
Local Council Directory (for manure disposal):
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Dl1/Directories/Localcouncils/index.htm
Chemicals Regulation Directorate:
http://www.pesticides.gov.uk/garden.asp?id=2480
Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs:
