February 1, 2011, Walla
Walla, WA – Organix, Inc. of Walla Walla, WA, recently announced that it has
begun shipping its horticultural peat moss alternative, RePeet™, from a dairy
in Yakima County, WA.
February 1, 2011, Walla
Walla, WA – Organix, Inc. of Walla Walla, WA, recently announced that it has
begun shipping its horticultural peat moss alternative, RePeet™, from a dairy
in Yakima County, WA.
RePeet is manufactured
from dairy fiber resulting from the anaerobic digestion of manure for renewable
energy production. An anaerobic digester acts like a short term, renewable peat
bog – submerging the fiber for up to 45 days. Organix further processes the
fiber after digestion with its patented system, improving the fiber’s
characteristics as a peat-like, soil amendment.
Russell V. Davis,
president of Organix, says the company expects to ship 40,000 yards of RePeet
in 2011 from this facility, much of which has already been secured with
contracts.
“Everyone wins,” says
Davis. “Manure management techniques are improved creating a significant
environmental benefit. Secondly, RePeet can reduce peat bog harvesting, a
contentious issue for many. Also, the horticultural user now has access to a
reliable, renewable amendment. What’s more, it’s a domestically produced
product that creates jobs in the local, rural community.”
According to Davis, RePeet
is priced competitively with peat. Peat moss – a common soil amendment used at
nurseries and in bagged mixes – has come under pressure over the last decade
from environmental groups who claim that peat harvesting and transport may be a
significant contributor to climate change.
Much of the peat used for
horticultural applications in the U.S. comes from southern Canada. Increasing
fuel prices have translated into increased peat costs. Additionally, bad
weather can affect harvest and product availability.
