I am wanting to plant an avocado tree for personal consumption, but the only suitable space available on my property right now (sunlight, etc) was previously used for a couple of pit toilets (long-drops). The most recently used one has not been active for at least 2.5 years, but has only recently been sealed with soil. Does anyone have any advice on whether it would be dangerous from a health perspective to plant near these old pit toilets? Fruit has been grown near such sites in developing nations for many years, but not sure about outcomes with diseases, etc. Any advice would be much appreciated - thanks.
The cautious wisdom of the developed world says no, don't do it. There are opinions that it can be OK in some circumstances but why would you risk it when it is clearly a threat in most cases. Planting shallow rooted plants that are not for consumption over this area of land would probably result in spectacular growth, but its just not worth the risk with fruit.