Composting vegetation killed with weedkiller

[DonSpillacy]

Hello, can anyone help with a question. Just got an allotment and the previous person sprayed something similar to Round Up last autumn over the entire plot. The vegetation left (some were potato plants, leftovers of squashes and general weeds) left on the plot is now white and very dry/crumbly.

Question is, would it be safe to compost this? I don't know a great deal about weedkiller, but I know it's supposed to neutralise on contact with earth, but does that mean it's now safe to compost?

I'm thinking about not risking it and just burning the lot, but it seems a shame to waste a head start on a compost heap.

[Jamesy_uk]

All hinges on what was used there is some evidence of adverse effects up to 6 months or more after application depending on the type of weedkiller was used.

[alldigging]

Put it all in its own compost pile and leave it extra long. Test before use.

[DonSpillacy]

Thanks both.

He's left the bottle behind. It looked to me like a cheap version of Round up bought in bulk - 5litre bottle so I suppose it could be stronger than usual. I'll google the name at the weekend see if anything nasty pops up.

[Veggielot]

If it is designed to breakdown when in contact with soil should be gone by now plus it would be in your compost bin for a few more months so in theory yes. I don't tend to compost any weeds, mainly because I have spent the last 3 years trying to getting rid of them not because they can't be.

The vegetation left (some were potato plants, leftovers of squashes and general weeds) left on the plot is now white and very dry/crumbly.

From the sound of it they have pretty much had it, would they add much to your compost? Unless you are 100% sure of what was used then I would personally just get rid.

[rustylady]

Are you sure they were sprayed with weedkiller. Remains of potato and squash plants would be white and crispy by now because of the winter weather.

[DonSpillacy]

Thanks both

Veggielot - point taken about the remains not being much use as compost now. I'll just burn it.

rustylady - previous tenant told me he'd sprayed it, I met him when he was cleaing out the shed. He hadn't done much to the plot for two years - apart from growing a few rows of squashes and 6 rows of potatoes of which he left half of them in the ground...