Albert Wilde, a Utah sheep rancher, discovered the potential of waste wool as a water-saving, plant-feeding fertilizer alternative, spurred by his observation of wool's moisture-retaining properties. This led him to develop wool pellets as a sustainable fertilizer, aiming to replace synthetic options and address drought challenges in the West. Despite entering the market and gaining some traction with home gardeners and organic farmers, wide-scale adoption among larger agricultural operations is sluggish due to traditional practices and limited research. Collaborations with universities and government projects are underway to provide evidence of wool's efficacy, spurring interest and potential broader use. Beyond agriculture, waste wool shows promise in land reclamation, erosion control, and other environmental applications, aligning with climate change mitigation efforts.
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