Review article

The possibilities of using sheep wool in agriculture

Boro Mioč ; Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Marija Tomić ; Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Valentino Držaić ; Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Ivan Širić ; Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Ana Džaja ; M SAN Group Zagreb

Abstract

Wool, in not so distant history, was one of the most important sheep products, essential in households
and the textile industry. However, in recent decades interest in wool has been significantly reduced, particularly in wool of poor quality, that is the most common in Croatia. More and more often the wool cannot be redeemed and processed, but ends up dumped uncontrollably in the countryside as waste. Therefore, in recent years in Europe and in the world there has been an increasing amount of research aimed at finding sustainable solutions for the use of low quality wool and enabling its direct application in agriculture. So far, several methods have been proposed to use raw, greasy sheep wool. One of them is the use of wool as mulch to prevent weed growth, retain soil moisture, and it is conducive for reduction of temperature fluctuations. As it decomposes it releases nutrients into the soil, which plants can use for growth. Shredded wool, mixed with the soil, acts as a source of nutrients, improves the soil structure, and releases and provides favourable conditions for the growth and development of the root system. With wool processing it is possible to obtain high-quality products for use in agriculture which rapidly decompose and release nutrients necessary for plant growth.

Keywords

sheep wool; mulch; nutrient source; wool processing

Hrčak ID:

231253

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/231253

Publication date:

13.3.2017.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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