Potential uses of low value Wool

Published: 2019
By Marc King/Dylan Laverell

Blackface, belly wool and tag wool have historically been low value wools for producers. In an effort to find alternative markets for these low value wools, Sweet Grass County Extension embarked on a demonstration project utilizing wool as a soil amendment. Four above ground containers were used to test the hypothesis that wool would improve soil moisture holding capacity, thus improving the pounds of potatoes harvested. Two mineral lick tubs were used with a ½ bag of top soil and ½ bag of compost in each of the lick tubs as well as one full garbage can of native soil. Two 4-foot water tubs were filled with one full bag of top soil and one full bag of compost along with two cans of native soil. Each container was divided in half. Five varieties of seed potatoes were used in the project. Each variety was split equally in the tanks with one planting receiving a pound of wool with the seed potato, and the other side being planted directly into the soil media. Soil temperature and soil moisture were measured weekly for the duration of the project. All of the containers were harvested in early October with total weights measured as well as potato size. It was observed throughout the growing season those plants that received wool as a treatment appeared to be taller and more vigorous in their growth. When harvested, it was found that the plants with wool had wrapped their root mass around the incorporated wool. Further, upon harvest, the treatment side yielded a statistically significant advantage in pounds produced. Soil temperature and soil moisture were also observed to be statistically advantageous to the treatment side. This project will be replicated in future years and findings made available to both wool producers and horticulturists. Initial findings suggest that wool as a soil amendment has the potential to improve horticultural production. This could potentially benefit wool producers in adding value to lower value wools while helping horticulturalists improve yields.