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How to remediate/dilute lead in garden soil #868856

Asked May 17, 2024, 11:11 AM EDT

Hello, We have just tested our yard for lead and have slightly elevated levels in some spots and higher levels near our garage (not surprising). The yard overall was 130 ppm and the garage area was 530 ppm. I was planning to add raised beds to plant food, but I also want to make the yard safer for children to play in. Do you recommend the sulfur/phosphorus method? I was looking at this: https://soilsextension.webhosting.cals.wisc.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/68/2015/11/Reducing-Exposure-to-Lead-A4088.pdf. I'll add that we have many plants around the yard already from the previous owner, so there is no bare dirt. I'd appreciate any advice you have!

Ramsey County Minnesota

Expert Response

Hi Elena,

Your plan for raised beds filled with fresh soil is a good one. For children, you want to have bare soil covered.

If you do those two things, you should not have to do the sulfur remediation. The Wisconsin extension page says this about the technique. Note the boldfaced text:

"This method of amending your soil
will not make it hazard-free but
should reduce human exposure to
soil lead if any soil is accidentally
ingested or inhaled. Recommended
gardening precautions should still
be followed. Use this method only for
your garden, not for your entire yard.
Applying this amount of phosphorus
to your yard may contribute to water
quality problems
and is prohibited
by Wisconsin Department of Natural
Resources regulations."

Minnesota prohibits use of lawn fertilizers with phosphorus because of worry about runoff that affects water quality. The Wisconsin recommendations are only for gardens and since you're building raised beds, you don't need to do this. 

This state of Minnesota page has helpful information:

https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/environment/lead/home/worksoil.html

I hope this helps. Good luck with your raised beds.

MJ Replied May 19, 2024, 11:10 PM EDT

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