Using old sheep bones for soil building (unusual question)

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I have an organic csa farm which was part of a large sheep farm. There are large barrels of sheep bones in some of the fields. Can these be ground up and used for soil amendments. If so, any ideas how to grind or crush them. There are about 10, 55 gallon drums. Thanks for any hlp.

-- tom reilly (streilly@warwick.net), January 19, 2002

Answers

Usually bones that are used to produce bonemeal are steamed before being ground, aren't they? What is the likelihood of some disease, or even a medication being residual in these bones? I would be careful, seeing that you are an organic farm. I assume the csa is some type of certification of being an organic farm. Is it worth jepardizing your organic cerification? Is there a way to get some of them tested? I would think that it would be worthwhile checking with whatever authority has granted this organic status.

-- B. Kerr (bernadette_kerr@hotmail.com), January 19, 2002.

At one time some farms had what were called 'bone breakers' which ground bones into small pieces. Perhaps a heavy-duty yard shipper might work.

-- Ken S. in WC TN (scharabo@aol.com), January 20, 2002.

I burn alkl my bones in the fireplace,, then spread the ashes back in the garden,, not sure about your barrell full of bones,, but,, its an idea

-- Stan (sopal@net-port.com), January 20, 2002.

You could just bury them and then let the children or grandchildren think they have discovered prehistoric bones !! We sometimes bury our dead animals when the ground is too hard to dig, in some old manure piles we have. The grandchildren thought one day they have discovered dinasaur (sp?) bones !! Far be it I should destroy their dreams of being explorers !! Never did find out though why they were playing in the manure pile ??

-- Helena (windyacs@npacc.net), January 20, 2002.

I wouldn't do for one major reason: CWD. Most of the CWD infected deer and elk got that way from eating old sheep bones. And, before anyone asks.......Yes, the do eat bones! If you want, use commercially prepared bone meal, just not the bones.

-- matt johnson (wyo_cowboy_us@yahoo.com), January 21, 2002.


Thanks for all the input. Sounds like opening a door to a negative outcome and to much work. I like the idea of a dino. dig. Tom Reilly

-- tom reilly (streilly@warwick.net), January 21, 2002.

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