idw – Informationsdienst Wissenschaft
Nachrichten, Termine, Experten
Nachrichten, Termine, Experten
Hof, Germany – Hof University of Applied Sciences is undertaking a new research project aimed at developing sustainable substrates for plant production. Led by Dr. Harvey Harbach, a research group in collaboration with regional and industrial partners is exploring how sheep wool, as a natural material, can replace peat and plastic in the cultivation of vegetable seedlings.
The project, titled “Sustainable Growth Media for Hydroponics Based on Needle-Bonded Natural Materials” (NaWaruN), aims to create an innovative substrate that can be directly used in commercial systems like vegetable production. The focus is on using materials that are not only more sustainable but also resource-efficient and regionally available.
A key objective of the project is to phase out peat and plastic in plant production. Dr. Harvey Harbach emphasizes, “Our research aims to preserve valuable resources and make natural materials viable for new applications. Achieving peat- and plastic-free food production is a significant step toward sustainability in horticulture.”
Sheep Wool as a Natural Substrate
The central innovation of the project lies in processing sheep wool into substrates for plant production. Using a specialized technique known as needle bonding, sheep wool fibers are transformed into stable, seamless tubular structures. These tubes, customizable in diameter and length depending on the plant species, are designed to replace plastic and peat containers as natural substrates.
The Institute of Materials Science (ifm) at Hof University of Applied Sciences is developing these sheep wool substrates in collaboration with BWF Protec, a specialist in technical felts. Alexandra Luft from the ifm sees great potential: “Our expertise in innovative textiles made from natural materials can address a global problem here.”
Environmental Issues with Peat and Plastic
Peat has been used in horticulture for decades but has significant environmental consequences. Harvesting peat destroys valuable ecosystems such as bogs, which are crucial carbon sinks. Approximately 6% of global CO₂ emissions are caused by the drainage of peatlands. Similarly, the use of plastic pots in plant production poses sustainability challenges, as they are often single-use and not recycled. The newly developed sheep wool substrates could replace both materials—peat and plastic—in plant production.
Partners and Funding
The project is funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) as part of the Central Innovation Program for SMEs (ZIM). In addition to Hof University of Applied Sciences and its two institutes (inwa and ifm), key partners include the horticultural company Schinner and BWF Protec.
Schinner, a pioneer in sustainable modernization, supports the research with its expertise in vegetable cultivation and outlines clear requirements: “Currently, there is no adequate replacement for peat in vegetable seedling production. We hope this project develops a practical alternative.”
BWF Protec, a company with a long tradition in wool felt processing, contributes technical expertise to the manufacturing of substrates. The project thus also broadens the company’s product portfolio toward sustainable applications.
Future Perspectives
With these new sheep wool substrates, Germany’s horticultural sector could lead the way in adopting sustainable materials. “The collaboration of various partners combines scientific and industrial strengths to address a critical gap in sustainable food production,” concludes Dr. Harvey Harbach.
Dr. Harvey Harbach
+49 9281 409 - 4591
harvey.harbach(at)hof-university.de
The NaWaruN project involves the Institute for Sustainable Water Systems, the Institute of Materials ...
Hochschule Hof
Hochschule Hof
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The NaWaruN project involves the Institute for Sustainable Water Systems, the Institute of Materials ...
Hochschule Hof
Hochschule Hof
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