How is manure used in conventional and organic agriculture? What are some differences?
Both conventional and organic agriculture utilize manure as part of regular farm soil fertilization programs. Certified organic farmers, however, must have a farm plan detailing the methods used to build soil fertility including the application of manure or composted manure. Certified organic farmers are prohibited from using raw manure for at least 90 days before harvest of crops grown for human consumption. Furthermore, sewage sludge is not permitted in organic agriculture. The use of sewage sludge, also known as biosolids, which comes from treated municipal waste water and other sources, is one of the three processes completely banned in organic production. The other two other banned processes are the use of any genetically modified organisms and the use of irradiation. • What does the National Organic Program (NOP) Rule mandate regarding manure use in organic farm practices? No other agricultural regulation in the United States imposes such strict control on the use of manure. The
