[Arid_gardener] Re: Using Uncomposted Dairy Cow Manure

[Olin Miller]

There is the process called "sheet composting" whereby manure is applied
directly to the soil and left to decay there, rather than in a heap. Then
after a few weeks it is worked into the soil.  This seems similar to your
situation.  The practice can cause temporary nitrogen depletion but the
effect can be minimized by also applying a nitrogen fertilizer such as
ammonium sulfate, 21-0-0.  This method is believed to cause fewer nutrients
to be lost through leaching than with heap methods and also that fresh
organic matter provides a slower release of minerals when applied than when
decayed.  Lots of info available with a simple web search.

I can't tell from your posts if your safety concerns are about pathogens or
feed supplement contamination but your cow manure is a "cold" manure that
will decompose slowly so it should be okay to plant in your mix.  It is
generally believed that plants will not take up these types of contaminants
but there can be residuals on the plant leaves such as the recent E. coli
spinach incident so your greens should be thoroughly washed.  But this also
applies to using composted manure.

Olin Miller, Master Gardener Volunteer, Maricopa County AZ
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----- Original Message ----From: <marlersattearmann at yahoo.com>
 marlersattearmann at yahoo.com
> Hi, I got dried manure from a dairy near my house and put 3 inches or more
> on the clay ground about two months ago.  It's been tilled in and mixed
> with soil amendements that I bought by the bag, but it wasn't actually
> composted.  Is it safe to plant greens in this soil?