compost dilema!? need answers!

[pitlizard1]

ok so im 22 and bought a 20 acre farm, there is a pile of wood shaving thhat is at leastfifteen years old that was used in pens for dogs. i was wondering if it would or can be used as a compost..ive read that u shouldnt but after twenty years of wood shaving thats sat out in the elements for years and years should of pretty much killed anything parasitic not? i turned the pile a lil bit last night and it was -10 F last night and beeen cold most the winter it was steaming? it looks like the best soil ive ever seen in my life but i just dont know u know. any answers or thoughts greatly appreciated thanks.

[Paulieb]

Hi an welcome to the vine.

I don't know for sure, but would have thought that after 15 years it might be okay to use, particularly if it looks like good soil.

BUT, presumably you're going to be selling produce from your farm (fruit, 'veg and meat?????) in which case you need to be 100% sure there will be no unwanted contamination in what you produce so I'd recommend so sort of test so you know for sure.

Also if you put your location in your profile it will show up on each post and people can tailor their advice accordingly. I'm guessing you're not in the UK by the temp description you gave.

Also tell us more about your plans for the farm as I'm sure everyone here will be very interested and able to offer advice where possible.

[Bigmallly]

Lucky you, after 15 years I would definitely use it.The only concern would have been dog faeces but that should have broken down long ago.

[Lisasbolt]

If it is sat in an area you do not need to clear straight away why don´t you use just a little in one area and see how it goes. It would be horrible to spread it and takes years to fix a mistake.

Sounds like you are going to be living a hard but wonderful dream, i am a country girl and always wanted to have my own little farm, with animals and vegetable, mainly veg.

Whereabouts are you?

[Thelma Sanders]

If it's still steaming hot, I reckon there is something in there that is still rotting, so I wouldn't use it yet - specially not for things you want to eat. Can you turn it over and leave it to rot some more?

[Scarlet]

That was my thoughts Thelma. Compost doesn't steam...something is rotting in there. Have you got any flower beds? I'd use it for non edibles.

[bearded bloke]

At least 15 years old & still steaming spread it out thinly & find whatever it is that's still decompossing, that or ig a deep hole & bury it is what I'd do.