Sheep wool-polymer hybrids: Innovative water storage and nutrient suppliers for agriculture applications

Healthy soil with a sufficient water balance forms the basis of our food supply and is an important part of our economy. Depleted soils, persistent climate stress and natural disasters require effective countermeasures. In the context of soil health, the circular economy and the EU Green Deal, sheep's wool represents a valuable, previously neglected resource for soil improvement. A population of around 84 million sheep was identified in the European Union in 2018. As a by-product around 200,000 tons of sheep's wool (1.5-3 kg per sheep per year) are obtained. As there has been a lack of sales markets it is mainly burned or disposed of in landfill, thus enhancing the climate problem. For some years now, however, this valuable resource has been used again to some extent, pressed into pellets and can therefore be used as a fertilizer with many benefits. Additionally, to the valuable ingredients such as 50% carbon, 15% nitrogen, 5% sulphur and further micronutrients, uncleaned sheep's wool contains a microbiome that includes bio-stimulants which promote plant growth and nutrient uptake. Soil and sheep's wool microorganisms can also improve biodiversity which has a positive effect on soil health. This is based on the application of sheep's wool pellets as fertilizer and on the upcycling of renewable raw materials. Studies have shown that sheep's wool significantly increases vegetable yields and improves soil health and quality. However, there is still a need to develop suitable concepts and scientific expertise in order to fully exploit the ecological and agronomic benefits of this fertilizer in the future. The use of sheep's wool pellets in combination with super absorbent polymers (SAP) for water storage and targeted nutrient release is a novel and innovative solution. Biodegradable, water-absorbent polymers support the targeted release of nutrients and drastically increase the water storage capacity. These intelligent systems of bioactive fertilizers based on natural raw materials offer a revolutionary opportunity to promote sustainable soil health and soil management. Existing technologies are used to create material compounds that match the structural properties for targeted nutrient release and water retention in soil management. In this project two company partners - Ecolets and Green Legancy - are working together with scientific institutions - BOKU and TU Graz. The aim is to demonstrate how the combination of sheep's wool and biopolymers can be used to create a high-quality soil conditioner which, in harmony with the soil and plant microbiome, offers an innovative solution for sustainable agriculture, where experience and tradition meet hi-tech. This consortium enables comprehensive scientific support in the development process as well as a practical exchange of knowledge in the various initial applications, right through to the necessary expertise prior to market maturity.