Good Day All,

In our search for tillable land, we have encountered a condition that concerns us. According to the USGS National Water Quality Assessment program, there is a high incidence of arsenic occurring either naturally or as a result of man- made pesticides in rural Maine. Consequently, our range of options has narrowed; resulting in our search for alternatives. In our search for a remedy we have come across a natural approach, (phytoremediation) to amend affected soil. We have read that Brake fern (P. vittata) can be planted in Arsenic tainted soil, with noteworthy results. We would like to know what others approaches have been and their outcomes. Is this a worthwhile venture or an exercise in futility? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated .

Sincerely,
McDonnell Family

Yvette & Rob, I can see that its been about forever since you posted this with no responses. Are you still interested in discussing this? Did you ever try the ferns and if so, what did you find for results?

Mark Drummond
Livermore Falls

The first step in addressing any contamination problem (and really, any Organic soil management question) is to get your soil tested. Here's a link to the UMO testing lab (for general soil health & lead contamination):


http://anlab.umesci.maine.edu/default.htm

And here's a link to the Maine Health and Environmental Testing Lab (for arsenic and others):

http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/public-health-systems/health-and-environmental-testing/inorganic.htm

This will also make answering the question, "Do these ferns sequester arsenic?" answerable.

Soil Biology Primer - a great read.

http://soils.usda.gov/sqi/concepts/soil_biology/soil_food_web.html

Mark Drummond
Livermore Falls

Sorry - wrong spot!

Mark