Super Eco

Agrotextiles are fabrics (woven, unwoven or knitted) used in agriculture, horticulture, forestry and fishing.  They can include fishnets, shades, mulch mats, thermal screens and crop covers.  Common uses for agrotextiles are protecting livestock, maintaining soil humidity and temperature, eliminating the impact of pests and general shading.  

Agrotextiles are made from a variety of different fibers, both natural and synthetic.  Polyolefin is perhaps the most commonly used synthetic, though nylon and polyester are similarly practical.  Natural fibers, such as jute or wool, can also be used, and have the added benefit of enriching the soil as fertilizer once they have started to degrade and decompose.

Benefits

Research has demonstrated many potential benefits of using agrotextiles, particularly in terms of growing crops.  Aside from generally increasing production by protecting the soil, they have been shown to improve the quality of produce, extend the growing season and aid in shielding crops from inclement weather.  Agrotextiles that employ wind resistance have the added benefit of protecting fruit from bruising, thus making crops more consistent and aesthetically pleasing.

Additionally, some studies have indicated that crops protected by agrotextiles may require less fertilizer, pesticides and water, which could have significant environmental benefits if widely adopted.  It's estimated that some agrotextiles that trap heat, such as shade netting or thermal screens, could reduce energy consumption by as much as 40% in greenhouses.

Expanded Use

Agrotextiles are becoming increasingly popular in developing nations, such as India, China and Brazil, where their use is expected to increase about 10% annually through 2010.