Plumas Wood Fiber is inviting horticultural stakeholders to participate in growth trials for its innovative peat moss alternative made from excess forest biomass. This initiative, based in Quincy, aims to transform residual biomass from wildfire mitigation into sustainable potting substrates. The project has gained attention as a finalist in the Conservation X Labs Fire Grand Challenge, alongside Earthworm Soil Factory.
The wood fiber substrate is crafted from ponderosa pine and addresses two significant challenges: the accumulation of dangerous biomass in western forests and the unsustainable harvesting of peat moss. As part of the initiative, Plumas Wood Fiber will work with Earthworm Soil Factory to produce and distribute sample batches for testing, allowing them to assess the viability of using western wood species in horticultural applications, including food crops and ornamental plants.
The Conservation X Labs Fire Grand Challenge promotes wildfire solutions and provides finalists with $50,000 to demonstrate the feasibility of their projects. In January 2026, three grand prize winners will be selected for additional support.
Horticultural professionals interested in participating in these growth trials can reach out to Plumas Wood Fiber at [email protected].
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Plumas Wood Fiber offering? Plumas Wood Fiber will produce and distribute wood fiber substrate made from ponderosa pine forest biomass, free of charge to qualified horticultural partners for summer growth trials starting in 2025.
Who is involved and who can participate? Plumas Wood Fiber, in collaboration with Earthworm Soil Factory, will coordinate the processing and shipping of the material to nurseries, greenhouses, researchers, and potting mix manufacturers in California and Oregon. Participants should have experience with potting substrates and an interest in sustainable alternatives.
Why are these growth trials important? The U.S. horticulture industry largely relies on imported substrate materials, despite the availability of local biomass. Lab testing suggests promising results for western wood species, and these trials will validate their real-world applicability.
When will the material be available? Production will start in spring 2025, with distribution to trial partners by early summer 2025. Participants are expected to submit results by early November 2025.
What kind of trials should partners run? Partners can design their own trials, ensuring to include a control group for comparison. Trials may involve different blends and plant types.
What is required from participating partners? Plumas Wood Fiber requests a contribution toward shipping costs, if feasible, and publishable or preliminary trial results by November 2025.
Those interested can contact Jeff Greef at Plumas Wood Fiber, [email protected], to reserve a shipment of ponderosa pine wood fiber substrate.
