Beware of what you add to compost!

By Andy Beck, Penn State Extension, Schuylkill and Berks Counties

A grower recently called my extension office describing symptoms of herbicide damage that appeared on his tomatoes transplants. The plants were grown from seed during the winter months and then transplanted into the soil under a heated plastic hoop house. After examining the plant material it was evident that some type of herbicide had caused the damage. However, the grower claimed no pesticide was applied to the plants at any point during the growing process. In fact, the only application made was a mixture of composted horse manure and hay incorporated into the soil a few months prior to planting.

Composted horse manure containing dried hay, is often considered a valuable nutrient resource for its soil amending characteristics. However, knowing what herbicides have been used to manage weed populations is crucial before using it as a soil amendment. Herbicides that contain pyridine carboxylic acid (aminopyralid, clopyralid, fluroxypyr, picloram, and triclopyr) can remain active on manure piles, unworked compost piles, and forages which are dried and baled. As you can see from the picture, it’s doubtful these plants will provide adequate yields this summer.

For more information about these herbicides and how to prevent damage to your tomatoes and other sensitive crops, check out the fact sheet from Virginia Tech by clicking on the following link http://bit.ly/iXuYBr

Andy Beck
Commercial Horticulture Educator
Schuylkill and Berks Counties
1202 Ag Center Drive
Pottsville, PA 17901

570-622-4225
awb123@psu.edu
extension.psu.edu