The Potential for Hydrolysed Sheep Wool as a Sustainable Source of Fertiliser for Irish Agriculture

Suppressed wool prices in Ireland over the last number of years has led to situations where the cost of shearing animals is greater than the wools' value, leading to net losses per animal for farmers. Populations of sheep in Ireland and nutrient values of wool from literature sources were used to determine the quantity of nutrients that could be produced on an annual basis using hydrolysis techniques. Results of this study suggest that up to 15.8% of the nitrogen required to produce Ireland's cereal crops can be met annually using hydrolysed sheep wool in an economically feasible manner along with considerable amounts of sulphur, zinc, and copper. Most of the cost associated with the process is the purchasing of wool from farmers at an economically favourable level for farmers. Based on the spatial distribution of these animals, the town of Athlone is the most suitable location for a processing facility.

Automated summary

Suppressed wool prices in Ireland have caused farmers to experience net losses per animal, as the cost of shearing exceeds the value of the wool. A study suggests that hydrolysed sheep wool could provide up to 15.8% of the nitrogen needed for Ireland's cereal crops, along with significant amounts of sulfur, zinc, and copper. The main cost associated with this process is purchasing wool at an economically favorable level. Based on the distribution of sheep, Athlone is identified as the most suitable location for a processing facility.