Technical and economic aspects of utilizing Fbrous wool composts in horticulture

Abstract: Composts produced from a mixture of fibrous wool by-products and other components (e.g., wood-shavings, cotton-gin trash, yard waste, biosolids, etc.) have a high concentration of nitrogen and low concentrations of regulated trace elements. Some have low soluble salts content and have slightly acidic to neutral pH. These composts met standards of the US EPA of an exceptional quality product and were successfully used to grow ornamental crops in a greenhouse and to establish turfgrass from seeds. Market research showed that the turfgrass industry and retail garden centers would be the largest and most profitable markets for fibrous wool-based composts and potting mixes. Cost-volume-profit analysis (CVP) indicated that production and sale of about 17,200 tonnes per year of the compost product would be a break-even point in units for a hypothetical compost production and marketing business. Since composting is also a waste management operation, revenues from accepting waste (tipping fees) does improve business profitability.