2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38
More and more innovations are being introduced into our life, in all its directions, and if we talk about agriculture, agrotextile has become a real breakthrough! A very lightweight yet durable material with a very wide range of applications. From weed control to greenhouse equipment, from growing seedlings to preserving crops
For an introduction to agrotextile, let me first explain how it is produced and what its main characteristics are. The material for the production of agrotextiles is called Spunbont. Spunbont is made from a polymer melt by a spunbond method, in other words, it is not weaved, but poured and rolled. Depending on the purpose, it has a different density: from 10g / m2 to 600 g / m2. This nonwoven material is used in many areas: for intimate hygiene products, disposable clothing (even sterile, medical), the basis for building membranes, insulation, accessories and packaging industry, furniture production and, of course, agrotextiles. We will talk about the latter in more detail.
Many are afraid to use this material, fearing to harm the crop or soil. But, as I wrote earlier, spunbont is used in many areas, and it is appreciated for its inertia! Simply put, it does not form toxic compounds either in the air or in the soil, or in contact with water, regardless of the temperature and the presence of organic and / or chemical fertilizers. For the production of agrotextiles, UV stabilizers are added to the alloy in order to avoid the destruction of polypropylene under the influence of sunlight.
Application of agrotextile
White is used to cover plants, and black is used to mulch the soil. Agrotextiles come in different densities. For example, a density of 100g / m2 is suitable for greenhouses, its density is sufficient not to tear when pulled over the frame. While for sheltering fresh crops, 20 g / m2 is enough. Such agrotextiles are simply thrown over the beds and the edges are sprinkled with earth. It should be noted that in this case, it is required to leave an allowance for plant growth. Maintaining the microclimate, such a covering will preserve crops even with spring frosts down to -5 ° C. But this material is not perfect. It is categorically not suitable for sheltering nightshades, since it tends to retain moisture.
Depending on the season and climate, agrotextiles of different densities are used for greenhouses: the colder, the denser the coating should be. Since it is permeable to water, atmospheric precipitation penetrates inside, saving you on irrigation. The service life of agrotextile is 5-6 years.
When it comes to mulching, then the most dense agrotextile is used. Weeds simply cannot break through it, rotting and fertilizing the soil. No cracks in the surface, no boots and shovels. In the presence of fruit trees, it protects the land from excessive acidity, fungi and mold developing from fruit rot. Planting takes place on top of agrotextile: a hole is cut with a cross, a plant is planted, covered with agrotextile. Watering (including drip irrigation) is also carried out on top of agrotextile. It allows water to pass into the soil without absorbing a drop.
Probably, of all plants, strawberries require the most agrotextile. The exceptionally black agrotextile is spread in one sheet, cross-shaped cuts are made, and strawberries are planted. Thus, strawberries are protected from pests living in the soil, do not rot, because they do not come into contact with the soil, unnecessary "whiskers" do not take root, it is easy to control the growth. In addition, the color of the agrotextile allows strawberries to ripen faster and more evenly.
Agrotextile is used even in the garden! The thinnest one is used to wrap the crown, to save the crop from birds.
In winter, young seedlings, roses, heat-loving bushes are sheltered with denser agrotextiles to avoid freezing.
If we compare oilcloth and agrotextile
When crops are sheltered, agrotextile benefits from weight. Being much lighter than oilcloth, agrotextile can be easily lifted by seedlings without disturbing growth. Due to permeability, atmospheric precipitation penetrates inside, while oilcloth, under its weight and weight, accumulated water will crush the seedlings. The only thing that oilcloth wins is the lens effect. In early spring, under the oilcloth, the ground warms up faster, and the seedlings germinate earlier. But! The same lens effect, if you are absent for a day, can "bake" all crops, ruining the crop. In the case of agrotextile, which allows air to pass through, repelling excess light, it does not require daily opening, even on hot days it will not harm the seedlings.
Greenhouses are a more complex issue. The essence of the greenhouse is just the maximum amount of sunlight. Therefore, the solution is a combination of materials! The top of the greenhouse is covered with a film, providing the crop with maximum sun, and the sides of the greenhouse are covered with agrotextile, which retains the temperature, but releases excess heat, letting in fresh air. Do not forget that the oilcloth can be used for a year, maximum two, while agrotextiles come with a 6-year warranty. Yes! Most of the self-respecting manufacturers give a guarantee subject to the operating conditions.
Good luck and good harvest!
