The Project on Replacing Peat with Other Materials as Horse Bedding supports the regional just transition away from peat by investigating, testing, and researching solutions to the challenge faced by the equine industry in finding a new and sustainable replacement for peat as bedding. At the same time, it contributes to Finland’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2035 and to addressing environmental impacts.
The project is being implemented in collaboration with the Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke).
Official project duration: January 1, 2024 – June 30, 2026
PROJECT OBJECTIVES AND IMPLEMENTATION
Objective 1. The project will map out alternative bedding materials to replace peat and test these with horses at the Harju Learning Center in traditional stable conditions as well as in the resting hall of an active yard. The tests will provide measurement data on the use of different bedding options, their effects on the welfare and behavior of horses, and their impact on the operational environment.
Objective 2. The project will assess the costs associated with the production and handling of different bedding materials as part of the bedding management process, as well as the factors that determine the supply and demand of these materials. The selection and evaluation of alternatives will take into account Finland’s climatic conditions, which affect everything from the production of bedding materials to their further processing.
Objective 3. During the project, potential new business opportunities will be explored and innovated for stakeholders in the peat, bedding, agriculture, forestry, and horticulture sectors in the production and management processes of bedding materials.
PROJECT ACTIVITIES
- Testing and Comparing Bedding Alternatives: The project will identify producers and manufacturers of different bedding materials and their raw materials, as well as assess their availability. It will also map the bedding management process for different alternatives. Further processing opportunities and innovations for bedding materials will be explored as sustainable business opportunities for stakeholders in the peat, agriculture, forestry, and horticulture sectors, in collaboration with the Natural Resources Institute Finland. Different bedding alternatives will be tested and compared in active yards and stable conditions.
- Measuring the Properties of Bedding Alternatives: Air quality, which affects the welfare of both horses and workers, will be measured during the bedding tests. The usability properties of the bedding materials, such as moisture retention, dust generation, and gas absorption, will also be measured.
- Establishing a Willow Plantation: A partner will be sought to establish a trial willow plantation, and the plantation will be set up to gather information on the establishment, development, and profitability of a willow plantation as a bedding alternative.
- Publishing and Reporting Results: The results will be reported and published in collaboration with the Natural Resources Institute Finland. Sustainable business opportunities in bedding production and manure reuse processes will be jointly assessed. The results will be implemented in practice through educational, training, and information events, as well as in professional journal articles.
