Alternative Straw Use Industry
Several new industrial uses for straw are being explored
and promoted. Straw as a replacement for wood fibre in paper and panel board
products is receiving considerable attention.
It is estimated that a million tonnes of wheat straw are
available for alternative uses during an average year in Alberta. This is after
soil conservation and livestock uses are satisfied. The excess straw occurs
mainly in the black soil zone. In other areas, sufficient straw to satisfy both
the livestock and conservation demands is lacking. There are still some
technological challenges to overcome, but several businesses are pursuing the
potential of this industry in Alberta.
Department of the Environment. State of the Environment Report, Terrestrial Ecosystems. Edmonton: n.p., 2001. With permission from Alberta Environment.
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