California and Oregon officials have announced new regulations to keep a lawn herbicide from accumulating in compost and damaging some vegetables. Products containing clopyralid are restricted to use by lawn and turf professionals. They must also make sure contaminated lawn clippings aren´t used in commercial compost.
The broadleaf herbicide holds little danger for people, animals or most vegetation. But it builds up in lawn clippings that often are used in compost that can cause damage if it is applied to some vegetables.
In California, nearly half the compost from garden clippings is used for agriculture, which is a $27 billion annual industry.
This post was last modified on 01/31/2009 4:46 pm