A 12-month trial at a cotton farm in Goondiwindi has shown its possible to divert large amounts of cotton textile waste at end-of-life from landfill with no harm done to soil health or cotton yields.
Goondiwindi cotton farmer Sam Coulton volunteered his farm “Alcheringa” for the project and spread the shredded cotton fabric into his soil prior to the start of the season.
CRDC-supported soil scientist Oliver Knox oversaw the project and said the trial successfully utilised about two tonnes of cotton waste mulched into the soil, which resulted in an increased microbial activity and at least 2,070kg of carbon dioxide equivalents mitigated through the breakdown of garments in the soil rather than landfill.
The project, under the guidance of circular economy specialists Coreo, was a partnership between the Queensland Government, Goondiwindi Cotton, Sheridan, Cotton Australia, Worn Up and CRDC-supported soil scientist Dr Oliver Knox of UNE.
