Mechanical Processing of Sheep Wool into Soil-Enhancement Pellets
Processing low-value sheep wool into experimental pellets for soil applications, supported by agronomic work and exploratory market feedback.
Wool is collected during shearing and transported to the processing facilities in Heraklion. Preparation and mechanical pelletisation are developed together with trials of pellet formulations and soil applications. Seasonal collection, dispersed farms and coordination between livestock producers, processors and growers are central operational considerations.
Experimental development stage. Application guidance and performance need to be assessed for each crop and growing condition. Feedback from the small exploratory market study informs development.
The Crete pilot develops a local route for turning underused sheep wool into pellets for soil applications. The value chain begins with wool collection during shearing, followed by transport, preparation and mechanical pellet production. Collection is coordinated with a shearing team and dedicated transport to the VEGAK facilities in the Finikia area of Heraklion, connecting livestock farms with processing and agricultural users.
Development combines processing trials with agronomic investigation. Laboratory pellet batches have supported the preparation of larger-scale processing, while the pilot examines soil water retention, nutrient availability and the use of functional additives. Soil application and hydroponic cultivation are among the applications under investigation. The second annual collection campaign and operation of the pelletising machinery provide an operational basis for further optimisation.
An important part of the approach is matching the material to the requirements of growers. The work therefore brings together feedstock handling, pellet preparation and cultivation trials, alongside engagement with potential users. Seasonal availability and the geographical distribution of livestock farms make collection and transport integral parts of the solution. The pellets remain experimental materials: their suitability depends on the formulation, crop and growing conditions being investigated.
Exploratory market work in the wider Chania area gathered 11 professional questionnaires and accompanying discussions with nursery and agricultural-product retailers, agronomists and gardeners. Feedback identified strong competition in larger agricultural packs and possible interest in smaller packs for household gardening. Respondents asked for demonstrated performance, crop-specific suitability and clear application guidance. This feedback informs further development and positioning; it does not represent a completed test of the pellets by those users.
The circular approach creates a potential agricultural use for a livestock by-product that has limited local value. The agronomic programme examines whether wool-based pellets can contribute to soil water retention and nutrient supply. These functions are being investigated through processing and cultivation trials, rather than treated as established performance specifications.
The value chain also includes collection, transport and mechanical processing. Its environmental assessment therefore needs to consider the full route from farms to soil application, alongside the effects observed under the actual growing conditions. The pilot connects these operational activities with the project's wider circularity and sustainability assessment.