Chemical, microbiological and plant analysis of soil fertilized with alkaline hydrolysate of sheep’s wool waste

Abstract

The effect of adding alkaline hydrolysate of sheep’s wool waste on the chemical and microbiological properties of a park soil (Sofia, Bulgaria) has been assessed in a 9 month laboratory experiment. The waste product contained 75–80% water-soluble materials: peptides, amino acids, salts, dyes, lipids, some carbohydrates, potassium ions, and it seemed likely that the hydrolysate obtained could be used as a harmless and valuable fertilizer in agriculture. It was demonstrated that the organic material positively influenced microbial soil populations and ryegrass growth. As the remaining partially degraded keratin is highly dispersed it should act as a slow release fertilizer thus feeding plants additionally. The results suggest that the wool hydrolysate is beneficial for improving soil characteristics and could successfully be used as alternative biofertilizer. The authors hope that by utilization of the keratin wastes, the environment around leather and fur plants could be influenced positively and that the expense of removing the wastes to controlled landfill sites and part of the expenses for sustaining the latter will be saved.