AGRO TEXTILES

Jawaharlal Nehru Government Engineering College

MAIHAK
TEXTILE ENGINEERING
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INTRODUCTION

What is Natural Dyes ?

Natural dyes are dyes or colorants derived 01 Nylon
from plants or minerals . The majority of natural
dyes are vegetable dye from plant sources
roots, berries , bark , leaves , and wood and 02 Polyester
other biological sources such as fungi.

03 Polyethylene
Natural dyes derived
from
04 Polyolefin

05 Polypropylene

06 Jute etc.
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Properties Required for Agro Textiles

1. Tensile Strength: The tensile strength of shade nets can be a deciding factor of its long term durability and service life. Hence good tensile
strength is necessary parameter for shade nets.

2. Withstands solar radiation: Agro textiles are laid over the cultivated areas immediately after sowing or planting. For such application Agro-
textiles has to withstand solar radiation with varying surrounding temperature.

3. Withstands ultraviolet radiation: The Non visible radiations include ultraviolet radiations (UV) radiation leads to degradation of molecular
chains. No single material is resistant to all radiations .polypropylene and polyester are more resistant to UV radiations when used as an
outdoor material, polyethylene is treated with the appropriate UV stabilizers. Potential to reduce the impact of UV radiation on plants by light
absorbing or light‐reflecting non-woven (light permeability: 80 to 90% to allow photosynthesis to take place). Bio degradability: Natural fibers
like wool, jute, cotton are also used where the bio-degradability of product is essential. Natural polymer gives the advantage of bio-degradation
but has low service life when compared to the synthetics.

4. Abrasion Resistance: The abrasion to which a shade net is subjected may be of the material itself (material to material) or stray animals.
Abrasion of the shade net would result in holes though which animals and pests could enter the structure and harm the crops .good abrasion
resistance is required of shade nets.
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6. High potential to retain water: This is achieved by means of fiber materials which allow taking in much water and by filling in super-absorbers.
While non- woven meant for the covering of plants show a mass per unit area of 15 to 60 gm/m2, values between 100 and 500 g/m2 are
reached with materials for use on embankments and slopes.

7. Protection property: It must have the properties of protection from wind and creation of a micro‐climate between the ground and the non-
woven, which results in temperature and humidity being balanced out. At the same time, temperatures in the root area rise. This is what
causes earlier harvests, sufficient stiffness, flexibility, evenness, elasticity, biodegradability, dimensional stability and resistance to wetness.
Fungicidal finish (up to 2% of the total mass), which avoids soil contamination.

8. Resistance to microorganisms: It must resistant to microorganism to protect the living being.

9. Stable construction: The construction must be such that it must be stable for any application.

10. Lightweight: The weight of the fabric should be such that it will bare by the plant.
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Manufacturing 1. Weaving and woven products

Processes of Sulzer projectile weaving machines are utilized for manufacturing woven products,
offering a broad range of fabric production from light to heavy and wide-width textiles.

Agro Textiles These machines, available in widths ranging from 540 cm to 846 cm, are particularly
suitable for producing agro-textiles with mesh widths ranging from 1.8 mm to 40 mm.
Several techniques of fabric production can Alternative methods like air-jet and rapier weaving are not favored due to insufficient
be used to produce agro-textiles. Each weaving width for these specific fabric types.
method offers specific advantages for
particular product. The techniques are: 2. Knitting
Warp knitting technique is most widely used in comparison to weft knitting. Warp knitted
protective nets are used in different sectors, which are produced on Raschel machines.
Agro nets are produced in various constructions or lapping. Here, the construction or
lapping is a way in which individual yarn systems are converted into fabrics.

3. Non-woven
Various techniques are employed for producing non-woven fabrics, with spun bonding
and needle punch being prominent for agro-textile production. Spun bonded fabrics offer
consistent tensile strength and good tearing resistance. Needle punched fabric plant bags
are preferred over traditional clay pots as they decompose after planting, especially when
made from natural fibers. Additional methods include thermal bonding, stitch-bonding,
hydro entanglement, and wet non-wovens.
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ADVANTAGES

Agro-textiles decrease the requirement of fertilizers, water, harmful pesticides and herbicides and render a healthy farming culture and
are an eco-friendly technique. They prevent the soil from drying out increase crop yield. Thermal protection textiles are treated with
ultraviolet ray stabilizers & it can save up to 40% on energy in heating greenhouses. Their use prevents staining and improves uniformity
of color. They increase the early maturing of crops and non seasonal plants & protect from climatic changes and its effect. Agro textiles
avoid branches from breaking, increase the cleanliness of the crop, make harvesting easy & give large space. Agro textiles for its excellent
environmental resistance, mechanical properties, easy process ability and durability characteristics can improve quantity, quality and
safety of agricultural products.
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APPLICATIONS OF AGRO
TEXTILES
1. Agro textiles for Production of Crops

The selection of Agro-textile product is depends on crop needs. Selection of the agro textiles is
also greatly influenced by the geographical location. Some of the applications of agro textiles
are as follows: Sunscreen net
A. Sunscreen net
Warp-knitted nets protect fields and greenhouses from intense solar radiation, promoting
healthy plant growth. These sunscreen nets offer varying degrees of shade (45%, 65%, and
approximately 85%) while allowing airflow to prevent heat buildup.
B. Bird protection nets
Knitted monofilament nets provide passive protection for seeds, crops, and fruit against bird
damage and pests. Their open-mesh design repels birds, minimizes shading, and promotes
excellent air circulation, preventing mold growth on fruit. These lightweight yet durable nets,
made from polyethylene tape or monofilament yarns, safeguard fruit without impeding plant
growth. Bird protection nets
 C. Plant Net

Fruits, which grow close to the ground, can be kept away from the damp soil by allowing them to
grow through vertical or tiered nets in order to keep the amount of decayed fruit to a minimum.
These are made from polyolefin type of fiber.
Plant Net
D. Ground cover net
Ground cover fabric is a versatile landscaping solution, effectively controlling weeds, conserving
moisture, and creating a conducive environment for healthy plant growth. Made of 100%
polypropylene, it minimizes herbicide use and finds application in borders, nurseries, orchards, and
paved areas.
Ground cover net
E. Windshield /Wind protection nets/Wind-breaks
Windshields in farming shield young plants, fruits, and trees from wind damage, while wind-breaks
protect mature plants. These nets reduce wind effects and airborne sand or salt near coastal areas.
By shielding plants, they encourage growth, reduce irrigation needs, and prevent excessive cooling.
F. Root ball net
Windshield
It is extremely important for safe and speedy growing of young plants such that root system is not
damaged when they are dug up, transported or replanted. Normally the root balls are wrapped in
cloth. Elastic net tubes are alternative to this. When the plants are transplanted, the nets on the
outside do not have to be removed since the roots can protrude through the nets.

Root ball net

 G. Insect meshes net
Various pests like Whitefly, scale insects attack some ornamental plants and vegetables frequently.
Clearly, woven and knitted polyethylene monofilament meshes to exclude harmful insects from
greenhouses and tunnels, or to keep pollinating insects inside, The fine woven screens protect
Insect meshes net plants from insect attack (without the use of insecticides).
H. Mulch mat
Mulch mats are used to suppress weed growth in horticulture applications, It covers the soil,
blocking of light and preventing the competitive wheat growth around seed links, This also reduces
the need for herbicides required for weed control Needle punched non-woven and black plastic
sheet are used for this application, Bio degradable and non‐biodegradable types of mulch mats are
Mulch mat available.
I. Monofil nets
Tough, knitted Monofil, nets for windbreak fences and shading/ privacy screens, A suitable
windbreak, set at a right‐angle to the prevailing wind, will protect plants against the harmful
effects of blustery weather ‐ which can break young branches, damage flowers and cause leaves to
dry or tear. The nets also protect against frosts and help enhance the micro‐climate. This not only
Monofil nets safeguards the current harvest but also benefits future crops, since the woody part of the plant
are protected too.

J. Cold and frost control fabrics

Cold and frost fabric can be laid directly on the plants, unlike plastic covers that can attract frost,
and burn any leaf that touches them. These fabrics protect the plant from frost kill during
unexpected late cold snaps and unexpected early ones.
Cold and frost control fabrics
 K. Nets for covering pallets
For safe transportation of fruits and vegetables to the market the boxes are covered with large mesh
nets and pallets to stop the boxes being turned upside down. This prevents damage of goods during
transportation.
Nets for covering pallets
L. Anti-hailstone nets

Anti-hailstone nets are used to cover plants and fruit orchards to protect them from being damaged
by hailstones, but does not restrict their growth. The nets are primarily made from polyethylene
monofilaments.

Anti-hailstone nets M. Harvesting net

It is extremely helpful to those countries where labour charges are costlier. With the application of
such nets for harvesting purpose, the labour cost could be reduced considerably. They are laid on
ground or tied under the trees so that fruits fall directly on to them.

Harvesting net N. Packing materials for agricultural products

Nets can be used for packaging of farm products for many end uses. It includes packing sacks for
vegetables, tubular packing nets for fruits and wrappers for Christmas trees, Net structures are
preferred because of their high strength, low weight, air permeability and cheapness.

Packing materials for agricultural

products
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2. Agro Textiles for Horticulture 3. Agro Textile for Animal Husbandry 4. Fishing and Aquaculture Nets
and Floriculture
Application of textile materials in horticulture Nylon and polyester identification belts are
Fishnets are used for fishing and in fish
is growing fast. Nets, non‐woven mats, used for cows. Textile nets are used to
farming. Warp knitted knotless nets results in
movable screens for glass/poly houses, non‐ support the large udders. Non-woven fabrics
low energy expenditure when the net is used
woven sheets, mixed bed for mushrooms, are used to filter the milk in automatic
for fishing. They are mainly produced from
cordage and strings are used in horticulture. milking systems and as an underlay to
Nylon monofilament, multifilament or HDPE.
Nets are also used for protection against reduce mud on cattle paths and trails.
hailstorms, intense sunrays, etc. Light
resistant woven and non-woven polyester
fabrics are used in the inside of green house
to protect the plants from extreme hot or
cold conditions. They are also used on the
outside of the green houses as screen to
control sun light.
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MARKETS OF AGRO TEXTILES

Agro-textiles is one of the smaller categories of technical textiles, with consumption accounting for around 8.2% by volume and 6.4% by value
of the global technical textiles market in 2010. However, this sector is among those with the strongest growth predictions based on the
projected increase in global population and the demand for higher quality food. Internationally, the agro‐textile market is expected to grow
from 1615000 tons (US$6.5 billion) in 2005 to 1958000 tons (US$8.1 billion) in 2010, at an average growth rate of 3.9% per annum. Developing
countries like China, Brazil and India with CAGR of 7.8%, are expected to witness a surge in demand for agro textiles. The global end‐use
consumption of agro-textiles will increase from 3.3% in 2000 to 3.9% by 2010; according to a David Rigby Associates’ (DRA) study. Unbounded
fabrics are increasing in agricultural applications at the expense of woven fabrics. Textile is only a relatively small branch, cost‐based reasons,
the global textile market in agricultural produce about 200 million tons, valued at 5 billion U.S. dollars, an increase of potential. In textiles,
agricultural development, production and Applications will become an increasing concern. According to Fortune Business Insights, Agro
Textiles Market to Hit USD 13,458.7 Million by 2027; Promising Advancements in Agricultural Technologies to Boost Market Growth.
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CONCLUSION
Today agro textile plays a significant role to control environment for crop production, eliminate variations in
climate, weather change and generate optimum condition for plant growth. Adopting the hi-tech farming
technique, where textile structures are used, could enhance quality and overall yield of agro-products.
Textile structures in various forms are used in shade house/ poly house, green house and also in open fields
to control environmental factors like temperature, water and humidity. The need of textile goods in the field
of agriculture has been stressed and their role in the reduced usage of harmful pesticides and herbicides to
render a healthy farming culture underlined. Unique manufacturing techniques and properties of this blend
of agro-textile sector products whose cost is lesser than that of pesticides and chemical herbicides have been
emphasized. ‘Agro textiles’ gives multidimensional views and solutions to the problems being faced by agro
industry. Textiles prove to be flexible in their suitability for specific geographical locations. So now it is our
turn, to carefully and beautifully shape this infant technology, to contribute to the nation’s economy.
 THANK YOU
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