PAS100 compost and soil sampling before first use.

[N.Yorks.]

Just a question for those using PAS100 compost. I was trawling through the associated Compost Quality Protocol that goes with PAS100 paperwork and found the following guidance on initial soil sampling:

" Soil analysis for PTEs should be carried out before the first application of compost and
again when any predicted soil PTE concentration becomes equal to or greater than 75
percent of its corresponding limit value set out in the Sludge Code."

PTE being the 'potentially toxic elements', formerly known as heavy metals.

How many of you have done this or have had it done for them by the compost supplier?

 

[Grass And Grain]

We haven't done it, but wonder if we should have.

Do you think it is mandatory, or just guidance?

 

[N.Yorks.]

We haven't done it, but wonder if we should have.

Do you think it is mandatory, or just guidance?

It seems like it is guidance for best practice. The paragraph comes out of Appendix F in the Compost Quality Protocol, which is titled, " Good practice for the storage, handling, application and use of compost as an agricultural fertiliser and in soil-grown horticulture."

The only thing that niggles me a little is that earlier in the protocol, section 4, it says:

"If good practice is followed, the Environment Agency and NIEA considers that quality compost will not pose a risk to human health or the environment in the quantities and frequencies at which it is likely to be applied in these sectors. Good practice means the measures set out in Appendix F."

Basically the question I ask myself is, what are the circumstances that the EA would come and question why this initial sampling hasn't been done?

 

[Grass And Grain]

I have exactly the same thoughts as you.

If it were sewage sludge for example, I could see the concern over heavy metal buildup.

Green waste compost shouldn't pose a risk of that should it? You would think a few lawn clippings and hedge trimmings would be fine. I think that will be my defence.

Edit.
It does seem to be advisory from what you have quoted.

 

[N.Yorks.]

I have exactly the same thoughts as you.

If it were sewage sludge for example, I could see the concern over heavy metal buildup.

Green waste compost shouldn't pose a risk of that should it? You would think a few lawn clippings and hedge trimmings would be fine. I think that will be my defence.

Edit.
It does seem to be advisory from what you have quoted.

There are heavy metals in most manures, organic wastes and some mineral fertilisers to a greater or lesser extent, but the biggest concentrations are in the biosolids, as you say.