[USCC] Poison Oak in Compost

[alexassoc@earthlink.net]

Jack,

I did some digging on the issue of poison ivy for a client, and here's what
I found out...

As far as the transmittal of poison ivy through compost or mulch, I have
found only anecdotal evidence (not university research) dismissing this
likelihood. Although staff involved in grinding and managing poison ivy may
get it through processing, it is probably unlikely that the actual irritant
(urushiol) would persist through the composting process. Urushiol is an oily
substance which should be susceptible to decomposition and therefore should
be at negligible levels in mature compost and mulch containing poison ivy
plant matter.

For what it's worth. Saying this, I'm not 'betting the house on it' either
way.
Ron
  


-----Original Message-----
From: compost-bounces at mailman.cloudnet.com
[mailto:compost-bounces at mailman.cloudnet.com] On Behalf Of Jack Hoeck
Sent: Thursday, April 09, 2009 12:36 PM
To: Compost at mailman.cloudnet.com
Subject: [USCC] Poison Oak in Compost

Hello Compost World

 

Does anyone have any info on the fate of poison oak/poison ivy oils in
composting systems or in soil? Can it survive a 90 to 120 day compost cycle?

 

Jack Hoeck

VP Environmental Services

Rexius

1275 Bailey Hill Rd.

Eugene, OR 97402

1-541-342-1835

1-888-473-9487

jackh at rexius.com

 

Sustainable Solutions for Landscape, Community and the Environment