permaculture

[John Ferree <seldom.seen@earthlink.net>]

the US NOP guidelines are 25 feet separating conventional/organic
operations. so long as the conventional fields don't drain across the
organic.  the guidelines are open to interpretation by both certifier
and producer, but i don't see much difference between 2-4-D and roundup
drift and other industrial pollutants (except duration of exposure &
possible soil contamination).  what are the industries most likely to be
the source of pollution & what are the airborne contaminants they're
releasing?  

if the nearby traffic is mostly diesel, there could be a problem. (most
diesel fuel is still leaded, right?)  but a test for soilborne heavy
metals will be more conclusive.  

check out the NOP guidelines. . .google national organic program

if you have a greenhouse within a cities' inversion layer (summer only
in SE US) you could see amplified effects of airborne contamination. . .
ie ozone damage on plants.  

hope this helps
john

> Hello all,
> I'm doing a research report on urban community gardens in hopes of swaying
> the civic powers that be to support these efforts.  One question that
> arises, is the presence of city pollutants and the dangers they may pose on
> consuming food grown near roads and other sources of contamination.  Does
> anyone know of a source of information on how far one must grow food from
> certain pollution sources in order to be safe?
> thanks!
> kelly
>