Plumas Wood Fiber, an Quincy initiative transforming excess forest biomass into sustainable potting substrates, is calling on horticultural stakeholders to participate in growth trials of its innovative peat moss alternative. This call comes as the project earns recognition as a finalist — alongside Earthworm Soil Factory — in the Conservation X Labs Fire Grand Challenge.
Plumas Wood Fiber converts residual forest biomass from wildfire mitigation efforts into locally sourced wood fiber for use in potting mixes. This solution addresses two critical issues: reducing dangerous biomass buildup in western forests and replacing unsustainably harvested peat moss in horticulture.
As part of its finalist award, Plumas Wood Fiber will collaborate with Earthworm Soil Factory in Butte Valley to produce and distribute sample batches of their wood fiber substrate for testing. These trials will help validate western wood species as a viable input for large-scale horticultural use, including food crop and ornamental plant nurseries.
The Conservation X Labs Fire Grand Challenge is a global innovation competition focused on wildfire solutions for Western North America. Twelve finalists have been selected to pilot their approaches, each receiving $50,000 to demonstrate feasibility and impact. In January 2026, three grand prize winners will be selected for further support and commercial scaling.
Horticultural professionals interested in participating in growth trials or learning more can contact Plumas Wood Fiber directly at [email protected].
Frequently asked questions
What is Plumas Wood Fiber offering? Plumas Wood Fiber has received funding to produce and distribute wood fiber substrate made from ponderosa pine forest biomass. The material will be manufactured in spring 2025 and offered free of charge to qualified horticultural partners for summer growth trials. Results will inform the viability of western wood species as a commercial substrate alternative to peat moss.
Who is involved and who can participate? Plumas Wood Fiber, in collaboration with Earthworm Soil Factory, will process the material and coordinate shipping to participating nurseries, greenhouses, researchers and potting mix manufacturers across California and Oregon. Partners should be familiar with potting substrates and interested in evaluating new, sustainable alternatives.
Why are these growth trials important? The U.S. horticulture industry relies heavily on imported substrate materials, despite the availability of excess forest biomass from local fire mitigation projects. Lab testing by Brian Jackson at North Carolina State University indicates promising performance for western wood species. These field trials will validate real-world application and support future industrial-scale production.
When will the material be available? Production will begin in spring 2025, with material distributed to trial partners by early summer 2025. Participants are asked to submit preliminary or final results by early November 2025.
What kind of trials should partners run? Partners may design their own trials but must include a control group for comparison. Trials may test various 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.