Grant: Alliance Grants

Cattle bedding protects animals from diseases, provides comfort to the animals, and improves their overall health and productivity. With the increasing cost of common bedding materials and their intermittent availability, there is a need to explore alternative sources of bedding materials such as fromTrembling Aspen (Populus Tremuloides). Aspen is a plausible alternative to spruce as it is locally available and can be made into the right bedding materials. In accordance with sustainability and circular economy, used bedding materials can also be applied as a soil amendment to improve soil conditions for alfalfa growth and overall soil health. Due to the high C:N ratio of bedding materials, composting is recommended prior to soil application, producing quality amendments rich in nutrients, and potentially improving soil health. This research is a partnership between UNBC and our industry partner, the Nechako Valley Regional Cattlemen's Association (NVRCA). NVRCA is a community of cattle producers that seeks to strengthen and support the local and provincial cattle industry. With a growing need for economic viability and the utilization of locally sourced materials in agriculture, this study explores how composted aspen bedding can improve soil health and potentially reduce the costs of acquiring bedding, thereby supporting farmers and cattle ranchers in the Nechako Valley, Vanderhoof, and Northern BC. The research will utilize greenhouse and field experimentation to explore the requirements and timeline for compost production from aspen bedding and its efficiency as a soil amendment for improving soil health and alfalfa production. Results will show the timeline for quality compost production and the benefits of applying composted bedding on soil health, more specifically carbon sequestration, nutrient availability and physical properties. Findings from this research will contribute to the body of knowledge on alternative materials for cattle bedding, therefore benefiting ranchers, farmers, and the overall Canadian beef industry, which is a major contributor to the Canadian economy.