Great lakes natural fibers INC. Is undertaking a project to establish a market for wool within the horticultural industry addressing a critical need for sustainable soil amendments and weed…

Great lakes natural fibers INC. Is undertaking a project to establish a market for wool within the horticultural industry addressing a critical need for sustainable soil amendments and weed suppression materials. The project involves the purchase of wool equipment to utilize coarse and lowgrade wool a product of increasing production due to the growth of sheep farming in ohio. This wool possesses unique properties including the ability to retain moisture and slowly release IT based on environmental humidity and IT is fully degradable containing essential micronutrients such as nitrogen calcium magnesium iron and sulfur. Felted wool mats will replace plastic weed barriers while shredded wool will be incorporated into seed mixes for habitat restoration and crop establishment. Wool pellets will serve as a natural slowrelease fertilizer providing aeration and moisture retention. The anticipated outcome is the creation of a viable market for this agricultural byproduct benefitting farmers and processors involved in horticultural operations. The project will facilitate the use of a naturally occurring sustainable material to improve soil conditions and enhance plant growth directly supporting the needs of stakeholders in the agricultural sector. By providing a valuable alternative to conventional soil amendments great lakes natural fibers INC. Is poised to contribute to the efficient use of agricultural resources and reduce reliance on materials with significant environmental impacts.