No, manure from non-organic animals can be used as fertilizer on organic farms. However, there are restrictions, which must be followed. The National Organic Program (Section 205.203(c)) requires that the fertility management system must not "contribute to contamination of crops, soil, or water by plant nutrients, pathogenic organisms, heavy metals, or residues of prohibited substances." This means that manure from conventional animals must not contain contaminants, such as heavy metals or pesticides, which could contaminate organic soil, crops, or water. For example, conventional poultry are often fed arsenic as a growth promoter. The arsenic passes through the birds and accumulates in soil where the manure is applied. Such manure is not appropriate for use on organic land - not because it is from conventional birds, but because it contains contaminants. If you are using manure from a non-organic source, know as much as you can about the production practices and inputs used by the operation. Keep records of all manure applications to organic cropland. If you are purchasing manure, ask for a copy of residue test results, along with nutrient analysis. Keep records on all sources of manure, as well as dates, rates, and locations where applied. In addition, if you are growing organic crops for human consumption, all animal manure, from both organic and non-organic sources, must be fully composted before application. If it is not fully composted, it must be incorporated in the soil at least 120 days prior to harvest for crops that contact the soil or soil particles, or 90 days prior to harvest of crops that do not contact the soil.

Browse related Faqs by tag: organic production, manure, certification, fertilizer