Biogenic leaf granules for bedding and fertilization

Abstract

Bedding material for stables, consisting of granulated or pelletized leaves with a residual moisture content of less than 20%, offering high moisture absorption, odor control, and a comfortable lying surface for animals.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an innovative bedding material for stables, particularly for horse stables. The bedding material consists of granulated or pelleted leaves, hereinafter referred to as leaf agglomerate. This material is used as bedding for animals and is characterized by high moisture absorption, effective odor control, and a soft and comfortable lying surface. The leaf agglomerate represents a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to conventional bedding materials and offers additional functional advantages that make it particularly suitable for use in stables.

[0002] Bedding in stables serves to create a clean, dry, and hygienic environment for animals. In addition to absorbing moisture and odors, the right bedding material contributes to improving the stable climate. In practice, materials such as straw, wood shavings, or pellets are used for this purpose, but these have disadvantages such as high dust generation, susceptibility to mold, and high disposal costs. The increasing demand for sustainable, environmentally friendly, and economical alternatives has led to the development of leaf litter.

[0003] The leaf agglomerate is made from dried leaves, which are first dried to a residual moisture content of less than 20%, then mechanically shredded and processed into granules or pellets. The resulting material is biodegradable, has high moisture absorption, and effectively binds unpleasant odors. Since leaves are available regionally in large quantities and often arise as a waste product, this solution represents a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to existing bedding materials.

[0004] Additionally, the leaf agglomerate can be enriched with functional additives to specifically improve its properties. These can be integrated during production or added subsequently to optimize absorbency, odor control, or antibacterial properties. Suitable additives include zeolite, activated carbon, tannins, lime, silver ions, probiotic bacteria, and plant-based additives such as tea tree oil, hemp plant components, or coniferous components of native tree species (e.g., pine, spruce, fir).

[0005] A particular advantage of leaf agglomerate is its dual use: After being used as bedding, it can be combined with animal excrement to serve as a high-quality organic fertilizer. The material contains valuable nutrients such as potassium, phosphorus, and trace elements that promote plant growth. Furthermore, the organic components of the leaves improve soil structure by increasing water retention and supporting soil biology. Through this sustainable recycling, leaf agglomerate contributes to resource conservation and waste reduction.

Claims

[1] Bedding material for stables, comprising granulated or pelleted leaves, which has a residual moisture content of less than 20% and offers high moisture absorption, odor binding and a comfortable lying surface for animals. [2] Bedding material according to claim 1, wherein the foliage agglomerate is obtained from foliage of Central European deciduous trees. [3] Bedding material according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the leaf agglomerate is in the form of pellets or granules. [4] Bedding material according to any one of the preceding claims, which is biodegradable and can be used as compost, soil improver or fertilizer after use. [5] Bedding material according to any one of the preceding claims, which is enriched with an additive which improves moisture absorption, odour binding or antibacterial properties. [6] Bedding material according to claim 5, wherein the additive consists of zeolite, activated carbon, tannins, lime, silver ions, probiotic bacteria, vegetable oils or coniferous wood components of native tree species. [7] Bedding material according to one of the preceding claims, which forms a soft and comfortable lying surface for animals in the stable. [8] Use of the leaf agglomerate according to one of the preceding claims as bedding material in horse stables, pig stables, cattle stables and in stables for small animals and domestic animals. [9] Bedding material according to any one of the preceding claims, which has improved moisture absorption and odor binding compared to traditional bedding materials. [10] Bedding material according to one of the preceding claims, which is based on the use of autumnal leaves and is therefore cost-effective and resource-saving. [11] Use of the leaf agglomerate according to any one of the preceding claims as an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional bedding materials without leaving harmful waste products. [12] Dual use of the leaf agglomerate by using the removed material as organic fertilizer after use. [13] Bedding material according to claim 12, which is enriched with animal excreta after use and thereby contains nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus. [14] Bedding material according to one of the preceding claims, which serves as a long-term fertilizer and ensures a sustainable supply of nutrients to the plants. [15] Bedding material according to one of the preceding claims, the organic components of which contribute to improving soil structure and increasing water retention. [16] Bedding material according to one of the preceding claims, which promotes soil life by containing microorganisms. [17] Use of the leaf agglomerate according to any one of the preceding claims as a sustainable alternative to synthetic fertilizers for the long-term improvement of soil fertility.