Grant: Applied Research and Development Grants - Level 1

Western Alfalfa Milling Company Ltd. (WAMCO) is a leader in the production of dehydrated alfalfa pellets and meal called ""Alfalfa Green"" (AG) for use as livestock feed and in other non-feed applications. AG pellets contain a full range of micro- and macro-nutrients with a minimum of 20% plant protein, as well as a plant growth stimulant. In non-feed applications AG is commonly sold as an agricultural based soil amendment in land reclamation and remediation as a source of organic matter for compacted and contaminated soils. WAMCO has identified a demand within the oil and gas industry for a certified organic product to be used in the remediation and reclamation of contaminated soils. If synthetic fertilizers can be reduced or replaced by an organic product, this will have positive impacts on the environment through greenhouse gas mitigation and reduction of soil and water pollution. It will also open new markets for the agricultural industry and alfalfa growers across Western Canada. WAMCO has formed a new partnership with Olds College to verify the effectiveness of AG in remediation applications as an alternative to synthetic fertilizers, and to determine the optimum rate of product application. Hydrocarbon contaminated soil will be amended with various rates of AG, and seeded to reclamation grass in a controlled greenhouse trial. If successful, these research findings will enhance acceptance of AG, and given the significant number of oil wells, strip mining, and tailings ponds in Alberta there will be a large market for the application of this product.