[julian9belgrave]

As a newby allotment holder I have just taken over a plot where the last user had a bit if a wobbly and left site in bit if a mess. Big issue is that before he left he used unknown weedkiller that clearly was effective in killing the overgrown vegetation. Trying to get it sorted in quick time. I have picked up the broken glass, removed the burnt plastic fragments ( 3 water butts make a lot of plastic residue) bags and bags of metal and broken concrete. Finally  dug over the plot to remove the weed root detritus.  Now trying to get something in but having a bit of concern as to how I identify if the weedkiller was one which lasts in soil rather than immediately degrading. Is there an way to tell? or do I simply plant and live in hope.

[Aunt Sally]

It was probably a glyphosate product.  Have you asked  your plot neighbours if the have any information ?

If it persists in the soil (most don't) then plants won't grow.  If they grow then it's gone

[julian9belgrave]

Sorry should have said that I have asked everyone surrounding the plot. I am hoping its glyphosate but a bit concerned that the last owners vandalism on leaving the plot included a bit of chemical warfare as a passing and lasting shot.

[Aunt Sally]

I doubt it but sow a few radish seeds to see if they germinate.