Croatian scientists explore sheep wool as a source of organic fertilizer

Scientists in Croatia are investigating whether discarded sheep wool can be converted into organic fertilizer, potentially creating a new agricultural use for a material that is currently difficult for farmers to dispose of. Croatia produces about 900 metric tons of sheep wool annually, but the country lacks an organized system for collecting and managing much of the material after shearing.

Researchers at the Institute of Agriculture and Tourism in Poreč are studying the production of sheep-wool pellets through the “Sheep Wool Pellets – Future Choice in Sustainable Vegetable Production” (InoBioPov) project. The research is examining whether processed wool can be incorporated into vegetable production systems, providing nutrients to plants while helping soil retain moisture.

The project reflects a broader effort to develop circular-economy solutions for agriculture by turning materials traditionally treated as waste into productive inputs. If the research confirms that wool pellets can improve soil conditions and plant development, the approach could provide Croatian farmers with a natural fertilizer option while creating an additional outlet for sheep wool with limited commercial value.

Sources: Croatia Week; Institute of Agriculture and Tourism in Poreč