Antibiotic Uptake by Plants from Soil Fertilized with Animal Manure

OACC NOTE: While raw and composted manure may be used with little restriction in conventional agriculture, the Canadian Organic standards require that manure used in organic farming be composted or be applied at least 90 days before harvest. In the study, the crops were harvested within only 42 days, so the findings may not apply to organic vegetables.

K. Kumara^1*, S. C. Guptaa¹, S. K. Baidoob², Y. Chandera¹ and C. J. Rosena¹

Abstract
Antibiotics are commonly added to animal feed as supplements to promote growth of food animals. However, absorption of antibiotics in the animal gut is not complete and as a result substantial amounts of antibiotics are excreted in urine and feces that end up in manure.

Manure is used worldwide not only as a source of plant nutrients but also as a source of organic matter to improve soil quality especially in organic and sustainable agriculture.

Greenhouse studies were conducted to determine whether or not plants grown in manure-applied soil absorb antibiotics present in manure. The test crops were corn (Zea mays L.), green onion (Allium cepa L.), and cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. Capitata group).

All three crops absorbed chlortetracycline but not tylosin. The concentrations of chlortetracycline in plant tissues were small (2–17 ng g–1 fresh weight), but these concentrations increased with increasing amount of antibiotics present in the manure.

This study points out the potential human health risks associated with consumption of fresh vegetables grown in soil amended with antibiotic laden manures. The risks may be higher for people who are allergic to antibiotics and there is also the possibility of enhanced antimicrobial resistance as a result of human consumption of these vegetables.

Source
Journal of Environmental Quality (2005) 34: 2082-2085

Author Locations and Affiliations
(1) Department of Soil, Water, and Climate, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108
(2) Department of Animal Science and Southern Research and Outreach Center, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108
*Corresponding author (kkumar@umn.edu)


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Research Extension Courses Consumers -------------------------- Virtual Tours Student & Job Opportunities News Articles Standards -------------------------- Market Information Events Issues Animal Welfare Strategic Plans -------------------------- Links Award-winners Site Map	Antibiotic Uptake by Plants from Soil Fertilized with Animal Manure OACC NOTE: While raw and composted manure may be used with little restriction in conventional agriculture, the Canadian Organic standards require that manure used in organic farming be composted or be applied at least 90 days before harvest. In the study, the crops were harvested within only 42 days, so the findings may not apply to organic vegetables. K. Kumara^1, S. C. Guptaa¹, S. K. Baidoob², Y. Chandera¹ and C. J. Rosena¹ Abstract* Antibiotics are commonly added to animal feed as supplements to promote growth of food animals. However, absorption of antibiotics in the animal gut is not complete and as a result substantial amounts of antibiotics are excreted in urine and feces that end up in manure. Manure is used worldwide not only as a source of plant nutrients but also as a source of organic matter to improve soil quality especially in organic and sustainable agriculture. Greenhouse studies were conducted to determine whether or not plants grown in manure-applied soil absorb antibiotics present in manure. The test crops were corn (Zea mays L.), green onion (Allium cepa L.), and cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. Capitata group). All three crops absorbed chlortetracycline but not tylosin. The concentrations of chlortetracycline in plant tissues were small (2–17 ng g–1 fresh weight), but these concentrations increased with increasing amount of antibiotics present in the manure. This study points out the potential human health risks associated with consumption of fresh vegetables grown in soil amended with antibiotic laden manures. The risks may be higher for people who are allergic to antibiotics and there is also the possibility of enhanced antimicrobial resistance as a result of human consumption of these vegetables. *Source* Journal of Environmental Quality (2005) 34: 2082-2085 *Author Locations and Affiliations* (1) Department of Soil, Water, and Climate, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108 (2) Department of Animal Science and Southern Research and Outreach Center, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108 *Corresponding author (kkumar@umn.edu)
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Antibiotic Uptake by Plants from Soil Fertilized with Animal Manure

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