[OrganicsMaine]

Hi everyone,

I've had a few questions from people that have made me stop and actually thing about my answer for a minute. The central theme is "how would I define organic lawn care"? I can't say that I define it like our local food certification because I use biosolids, and they are not certified for organic farming here in Maine.

So, with organic in my adds, how do you all think it should be defined? I know that there is a fine line here, so I am curious about this.

 

[dKoester]

I have concerns about the testing of biosolids. Could I have an independant test done to make sure the proposed levels of heavy metals and harmful bacteria are sound?

 

[phasthound]

Hi everyone,

I've had a few questions from people that have made me stop and actually thing about my answer for a minute. The central theme is "how would I define organic lawn care"? I can't say that I define it like our local food certification because I use biosolids, and they are not certified for organic farming here in Maine.

So, with organic in my adds, how do you all think it should be defined? I know that there is a fine line here, so I am curious about this.

I don't believe there is a legal definition at this time for "organic lawn care".
The NOFA Land Care Committee does list companies that have taken their 5 day course and passed a test.

 

[mdlwn1]

been a few years, but in NJ you couldnt legally advertise as "organic" to imply that lawncare was safe or natural. By definition, organic only means carbon based.

 

[phasthound]

I have concerns about the testing of biosolids. Could I have an independant test done to make sure the proposed levels of heavy metals and harmful bacteria are sound?

Sure, if you have the money.

 

[OrganicsMaine]

I don't believe there is a legal definition at this time for "organic lawn care".
The NOFA Land Care Committee does list companies that have taken their 5 day course and passed a test.

So if you were posed with this question, how would you respond?

 

[ICT Bill]

I have concerns about the testing of biosolids. Could I have an independant test done to make sure the proposed levels of heavy metals and harmful bacteria are sound?

Our heavy metals testing costs around $60, we have been using Thornton Labs in FL but have moved to Mid west labs in Omaha NE, Thornton was twice that

www.midwestlabs.com

There is no body like the USDA that defines organic lawn care, they do define sustainable ag though
The US legal definition is:

"Sustainable agriculture" was addressed by Congress in the 1990 "Farm Bill" [Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (FACTA), Public Law 101-624, Title XVI, Subtitle A, Section 1603 (Government Printing Office, Washington, DC, 1990) NAL Call # KF1692.A31 1990]. Under that law, "the term sustainable agriculture means an integrated system of plant and animal production practices having a site-specific application that will, over the long term:
• satisfy human food and fiber needs;
• enhance environmental quality and the natural resource base upon which the agricultural economy depends;
• make the most efficient use of nonrenewable resources and on-farm resources and integrate, where appropriate, natural biological cycles and controls;
• sustain the economic viability of farm operations; and
• enhance the quality of life for farmers and society as a whole."

 

[JDUtah]

Organic lawn care to me is more sustainable based than chemical free.

I walk the fine line of intergalactic service. For example... I use yard waste compost as my main organic fert, but use synthetics (LD50 more safe than table salt, non carcinogen) for my insect and weed control. Fungal control is completely organic.

I use my own value and ethic system to determine if a product is worth using or not.

Perhaps I will define my value system sometime... and include it in my mission statement... or... ... ...

 

[phasthound]

So if you were posed with this question, how would you respond?

It's a statement I think about everyday. How about, "Organic is a buzz word, everyone has their own idea what it means. Our aim is to concentrate on Soil Health because it is the root of everything: plant health, water quality, air quality and human health.".

Well, it's a start.

 

[dKoester]

Thanks Bill.

 

[ICT Bill]

Thanks Bill.

My quote is, it is a well balanced soil fertilty program not a feed the plant program, you can grow anything in fertile soil WELL

feeding plants directly makes weak plants

 

[starry night]

JD Utah: "intergalactic service?" It has always seemed you were "a little out there." :laugh:

 

[ICT Bill]

JD Utah: "intergalactic service?" It has always seemed you were "a little out there." :laugh:

If you only knew :cool2: :cool2: :cool2:
definitely a character

 

[dKoester]

My quote is, it is a well balanced soil fertilty program not a feed the plant program, you can grow anything in fertile soil WELL

feeding plants directly makes weak plants

I just wanted to test and make sure the biosolids are safe around kids.

 

[JDUtah]

JD Utah: "intergalactic service?" It has always seemed you were "a little out there." :laugh:

Lol I thought it would get some kicks and giggles. Didn't expect that though lol. :drinkup:

 

[ICT Bill]

I just wanted to test and make sure the biosolids are safe around kids.

Mid West is top notch and very affordable

What you need to do is ask your supplier/manufacturer to give you the data you need, if they don't I would run

biosolids are full of odd things that are flushed down the toilet, composting can remediate some of it, if you have questions don't use it until you can back it up with the data they provide

I would not use it in a garden for food to eat, I would question its use around chldren until I saw a current analyisis

Heavy metals build up in soils

 

[dKoester]

Thanks for the advice man. Much appreciated.

 

[ecoguy]

Working with nature by supporting its processes. How does nature grow grass/plants? Once you know, do everything to increase its productivity.

 

[phasthound]

Working with nature by supporting its processes. How does nature grow grass/plants? Once you know, do everything to increase its productivity.

Yeah, but nature doesn't support a monoculture like a suburban lawn.

 

[ecoguy]

Not our traditional way of growing that lawn. But soil is soil and plants are plants and if you understand and follow the basics of both, growth will occur.