Correction

Raw manure should never be used to top dress fruit and vegetable crops.

Additional Guidelines and Recommendations

• Raw manure is used to build fertility before planting:
  • It needs to be incorporated into the soil.
  • The field or garden area is not planted until two weeks after manure application.
• Interval between raw manure application and harvesting
  • 90 days if edible portion of crop does not come into contact with soil.
  • 120 days if edible portion is in contact with soil (e.g. tomatoes, peppers, etc.).
• Develop strategies to discourage trespassing by wild animals (inadvertent fertilization/contamination):
  • Strategies may include fencing, netting, motion detectors connected to sprinklers or lights, etc.
  • Do not harvest produce from areas with animal manure present.
• Keep pets and other domestic animals out of crop areas to prevent contamination from feces.
• Proper composting of manure will kill pathogens:
  • Compost much reach an internal temperature of 131°-170°F.
  • Temperature must be maintained for the appropriate length of time.