2. 22
INTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTION
•Continuous increase in population worldwide, stress on agricultural
crops has increased. So it is necessary to increase the yield and quality
of agro-products. But it is not possible to meet fully with the
traditionally adopted ways of using pesticides and herbicides.
•Today, agriculture and horticulture has realized the need of tomorrow
and opting for various technologies to get higher overall yield, quality
and tasty agro-products.
•Projected global market size of technical textiles is US $ 120 to 150
billions.
•Indian market is about US $6 billion (Rs. 30000 crores).
•Agro-textiles form about 1.5% of the technical textile market.
•Man made /synthetic fibres are mainly used in technical textiles due
to their favourable. price/performance ratio, ease of transportation and
setup, saving in storage space and long service life.
3. 33
WHAT IS AGROTEXTILEWHAT IS AGROTEXTILE
All the textile goods intended for use in the agrarian productionAll the textile goods intended for use in the agrarian production
encompassing agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry andencompassing agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry and
forestry can be considered as agro-textiles.forestry can be considered as agro-textiles.
Special textiles that are manufactured for agriculturalSpecial textiles that are manufactured for agricultural
applications.applications.
These textile structures are used as controlling environment forThese textile structures are used as controlling environment for
plants/animals in applications likeplants/animals in applications like
AgricultureAgriculture
HorticultureHorticulture
Animal husbandryAnimal husbandry
4. 44
Why agro-textiles?Why agro-textiles?
Prevent the soil from drying out increase crop yield.Prevent the soil from drying out increase crop yield.
Reduce use of herbicides hence Protect farmer fromReduce use of herbicides hence Protect farmer from
harmful pesticides.harmful pesticides.
Thermal protection textiles are treated with ultraviolet rayThermal protection textiles are treated with ultraviolet ray
stabilisers.stabilisers.
The best-known products are shade netting and thermalThe best-known products are shade netting and thermal
screens, the use of which can save up to 40% on energy inscreens, the use of which can save up to 40% on energy in
heating greenhouses.heating greenhouses.
Their use prevents staining and improves uniformity ofTheir use prevents staining and improves uniformity of
colour.colour.
Can controlCan control
climate,climate,
ecological degradation,ecological degradation,
efficient use of water,efficient use of water,
save energy,save energy,
improve product quality, etc.improve product quality, etc.
5. 55
• Resistance to solar-radiation.Resistance to solar-radiation.
• Resistance to ultraviolet radiation.Resistance to ultraviolet radiation.
• Biodegradability.Biodegradability.
• High potential to retain water.High potential to retain water.
• Protection property.Protection property.
PROPERTIES REQUIREDPROPERTIES REQUIRED
6. 66
APPLICATION OF AGROTEXTILESAPPLICATION OF AGROTEXTILES
Sunscreens/Shade netsSunscreens/Shade nets
Ground coverGround cover
WindshieldWindshield
Root ball netsRoot ball nets
Insect meshesInsect meshes
Turf protection netTurf protection net
Nets for covering palletsNets for covering pallets
Packing materials for agricultural productsPacking materials for agricultural products
Mulch matsMulch mats
Crop coversCrop covers
Net for protection from birdsNet for protection from birds
Fishing netsFishing nets
8. 88
MANUFATURING TECHNIQUES USEDMANUFATURING TECHNIQUES USED
Textile materials in the form of woven, nonwoven, knitted,Textile materials in the form of woven, nonwoven, knitted,
knotted, twine, braided, etc. are used for variousknotted, twine, braided, etc. are used for various
applications of agrotextiles.applications of agrotextiles.
Woven and nonwoven structures are generally used forWoven and nonwoven structures are generally used for
ground covers, mulch mats, shades;ground covers, mulch mats, shades;
braided and woven structures are used for sapling bags;braided and woven structures are used for sapling bags;
warp knitted structures are used for screens, nets andwarp knitted structures are used for screens, nets and
packaging materials;packaging materials;
knotting technique is used for manufacturing fishing nets.knotting technique is used for manufacturing fishing nets.
9. 99
FIBER USED IN AGROTEXTILESFIBER USED IN AGROTEXTILES
Synthetic fibresSynthetic fibres
Polyolefin fibresPolyolefin fibres (light weight with high strength and long service(light weight with high strength and long service
life) are extensively used.life) are extensively used.
Nylon, PolyesterNylon, Polyester fibres.fibres.
Due to their high strength, durability and other suitable properties ofDue to their high strength, durability and other suitable properties of
agricultural applications, synthetic fibres are widely used inagricultural applications, synthetic fibres are widely used in
agrotech sector.agrotech sector.
Natural fibresNatural fibres..
Jute, Wool, Coir, Sisal, Flax and Hemp fibres.Jute, Wool, Coir, Sisal, Flax and Hemp fibres.
Natural fibre based agrotextiles not only serve the specific purposeNatural fibre based agrotextiles not only serve the specific purpose
but also after some year degrade and act asbut also after some year degrade and act as natural fertilizers.natural fertilizers.
11. 1111
SUNSCREEN/SUNSCREEN/ SHADE NETSSHADE NETS
These are sunscreens and provide necessaryThese are sunscreens and provide necessary
protection to the plants against:protection to the plants against:
Excessive heat,Excessive heat,
Burning of the crops due to direct sunshine andBurning of the crops due to direct sunshine and
UV damage.UV damage.
Composition:Composition: Polyethylene fabrics or mono-filamentsPolyethylene fabrics or mono-filaments
Construction:Construction: Warp knittedWarp knitted or wovenor woven ..
AdvantagesAdvantages
Low weightLow weight
Protection against strong wind.Protection against strong wind.
Available in various colors: Black, white, darkAvailable in various colors: Black, white, dark
green, light green, green and white, blue and white.green, light green, green and white, blue and white.
Range of shade percentages are:Range of shade percentages are:
25%, 35%, 50%, 75% and 90%25%, 35%, 50%, 75% and 90%
12. 1212
CROP COVERS/CROP COVERS/ ANTIFROST COVERSANTIFROST COVERS
Lightweight, breathable and those which dry quickly areLightweight, breathable and those which dry quickly are
used. These fabrics should provide open spaces for cropused. These fabrics should provide open spaces for crop
treatments.treatments.
Composition:Composition:
Nonwoven spun bonded mesh fabric and nonwoven UVNonwoven spun bonded mesh fabric and nonwoven UV
resistant polypropylene fleece.resistant polypropylene fleece.
Advantages:Advantages:
Minimizes moisture and heat loss.Minimizes moisture and heat loss.
Keeps the plant warm and healthy.Keeps the plant warm and healthy.
Low wind sensitivity.Low wind sensitivity.
UV stabilized.UV stabilized.
Strong.Strong.
Long lasting.Long lasting.
13. 1313
WINDSHIELDWINDSHIELD
Protect the crops from high velocity wind damage.Protect the crops from high velocity wind damage.
Control the temperature by hindering cooling dueControl the temperature by hindering cooling due
to the wind. These are installed perpendicular toto the wind. These are installed perpendicular to
the direction of the wind to reduce the wind speed.the direction of the wind to reduce the wind speed.
Composition:Composition:
Filament used: High density Poly PropyleneFilament used: High density Poly Propylene
Monofilament / Tape YarnsMonofilament / Tape Yarns
Weight : 40-90 g/sq. metreWeight : 40-90 g/sq. metre
Mesh size: As per the required wind blockingMesh size: As per the required wind blocking
Technology used: Warp knitting.Technology used: Warp knitting.
Advantages:Advantages:
Windshields can have large or small openingsWindshields can have large or small openings
depending on the amount of winddepending on the amount of wind
protection required.protection required.
Prevent breaking of branches, early falling ofPrevent breaking of branches, early falling of
the fruits and Damage to the leaves and flowers.the fruits and Damage to the leaves and flowers.
14. 1414
TUFT PROTECTION /GROUND COVERING FABRICTUFT PROTECTION /GROUND COVERING FABRIC
Prevent the growth of grasses by blocking of the solarPrevent the growth of grasses by blocking of the solar
radiation and reduction of photosynthesis UV stabilizedradiation and reduction of photosynthesis UV stabilized
quality groundcover mulch to inhibit weed growth. Waterquality groundcover mulch to inhibit weed growth. Water
permeable for optimum drainage.permeable for optimum drainage.
Applications:Applications:
Borders and rockeries, nursery display areas, greenhouseBorders and rockeries, nursery display areas, greenhouse
floors, soft fruit beds and orchards, root barriers, pavedfloors, soft fruit beds and orchards, root barriers, paved
areas, bark play pits, cycle paths and footpaths, planterareas, bark play pits, cycle paths and footpaths, planter
liners, seed harvesting areas.liners, seed harvesting areas.
AdvantagesAdvantages
Prevent removal of earth in lumps during animal grazingPrevent removal of earth in lumps during animal grazing
in grassy areas of river banks.in grassy areas of river banks.
In addition they also maintain optimal soil temperaturesIn addition they also maintain optimal soil temperatures
for rapid plant growth.for rapid plant growth.
Composition:Composition:
Biodegradable needle punched non woven and coatedBiodegradable needle punched non woven and coated
fabrics. (100 % Polypropylene)fabrics. (100 % Polypropylene)
Sizes:Sizes: 80, 90, 100, 110, 130, 150 g/m²80, 90, 100, 110, 130, 150 g/m²
Colors:Colors: Black, green, grey and maroon.Black, green, grey and maroon.
15. 1515
Mats are put over the grassy areas on riverMats are put over the grassy areas on river
banks, dykes, etc, so that lumps of earth arebanks, dykes, etc, so that lumps of earth are
not removed while animals are grazing them.not removed while animals are grazing them.
Composition:Composition: Jute, polypropylene,Jute, polypropylene,
polyethylenepolyethylene
Construction:Construction: Woven, non-wovenWoven, non-woven
Advantages:Advantages:
Weed control around newly planted trees andWeed control around newly planted trees and
shrubs.shrubs.
Biodegradable.Biodegradable.
Cost effective.Cost effective.
minimizing soil erosion loss and improvingminimizing soil erosion loss and improving
conservation.conservation.
MULTCH MATS
16. 1616
WEED CONTROL DISCWEED CONTROL DISC
AdvantagesAdvantages
Perfect for blocking surface weed growth inPerfect for blocking surface weed growth in
production containers.production containers.
Reduces costs for manual weeding.Reduces costs for manual weeding.
Eliminates herbicides.Eliminates herbicides.
Can be reused for many years.Can be reused for many years.
Permeable loss from solid fertilizersPermeable loss from solid fertilizers
Reduces water loss from plants.Reduces water loss from plants.
Resistant to ultraviolet light.Resistant to ultraviolet light.
breathable, letting air and water throughbreathable, letting air and water through
effortlessly.effortlessly.
CompositionComposition
Needle punched non woven fabric is mainlyNeedle punched non woven fabric is mainly
used for the purpose ofused for the purpose of weed controlweed control
applications.applications.
17. 1717
ROOT BALL NET & ROOT CONTAINERSROOT BALL NET & ROOT CONTAINERS
Promotes healthy roots withinPromotes healthy roots within
the containerthe container
Blocks root emergenceBlocks root emergence
Improves production qualityImproves production quality
A root ball plant is prepared for
planting with soil adhering to their
roots. The soil and root forms
compact mass, larger then bare roots.
Root ball net can be used to bind the
mass of soil and roots of plants
together. Advantages
a) Protect root balls from damage during
transportation and storage.
b) Biodegradable;
c) Keep soil sticking to roots.
d) Increase packing speed of root balls
compared to covering with burlap and tying with
twine.
18. 1818
COMPOSITE TRAPCOMPOSITE TRAP
For optimum control of the compositing processFor optimum control of the compositing process
Maintain the optimum level of humidity throughout theMaintain the optimum level of humidity throughout the
compositing processingcompositing processing
By accelerating the evaporation of excess water from theBy accelerating the evaporation of excess water from the
substrates.substrates.
Increases operational efficiency by shortening theIncreases operational efficiency by shortening the
composting process and improving the quality of the finishcomposting process and improving the quality of the finish
productproduct
The unique non woven textile made from high qualityThe unique non woven textile made from high quality
synthetic fibres is completely permeable to oxygen, carbonsynthetic fibres is completely permeable to oxygen, carbon
dioxide and water vapourdioxide and water vapour
19. 1919
HARVEST NETSHARVEST NETS
Harvesting nets are used to collect the fruits falling from a tree. ThisHarvesting nets are used to collect the fruits falling from a tree. This
helps to keep the cost of cultivation low by eliminating additional labourhelps to keep the cost of cultivation low by eliminating additional labour
associated with harvesting..associated with harvesting..
The primary application of harvesting net is in apple orchids, mangoThe primary application of harvesting net is in apple orchids, mango
farms, pomegranate clusters and in other similar type of fruits harvesting.farms, pomegranate clusters and in other similar type of fruits harvesting.
Composition:Composition: Polyethylene mono-filaments.Polyethylene mono-filaments.
Construction:Construction: Warp knitted.Warp knitted.
Advantages:Advantages:
Perfect collecting fruits which fall off the tree when they are ripe.Perfect collecting fruits which fall off the tree when they are ripe.
Simplifies and rationalizes the harvesting process.Simplifies and rationalizes the harvesting process.
20. 2020
BIRD PROTECTION NETBIRD PROTECTION NET
Bird protection nets are placed over trees and fields to protect the fruit fromBird protection nets are placed over trees and fields to protect the fruit from
being eaten by birds .With a most favorable mesh size, it is big enough tobeing eaten by birds .With a most favorable mesh size, it is big enough to
permit movement of bees and keeps shadow to a least amount.permit movement of bees and keeps shadow to a least amount.
Allows sunlight and also permits free movement of air means that harmfulAllows sunlight and also permits free movement of air means that harmful
fungus does not grow on the crop.fungus does not grow on the crop.
The regular sizes of nets available are 1, 2, 3 & 6 meters in width and 10, 20,The regular sizes of nets available are 1, 2, 3 & 6 meters in width and 10, 20,
50 and 100 meters in length. The shade percentage, which indicates the degree50 and 100 meters in length. The shade percentage, which indicates the degree
of shade provided by the nets, is around 20%.of shade provided by the nets, is around 20%.
Composition:Composition: Polypropylene monofilament /Polypropylene monofilament /
Polyethylene Tape yarns,Polyethylene Tape yarns,
Construction:Construction: Warp knitted,Warp knitted, Strips of nets withStrips of nets with
large opening,large opening,
Advantages:Advantages:
To protect the fruits eaten by birdsTo protect the fruits eaten by birds
Ultra-light fabrics & around 25 to 40 GSM in weight.Ultra-light fabrics & around 25 to 40 GSM in weight.
These nets are tough, durable, tear resistant and light weight.These nets are tough, durable, tear resistant and light weight.
These nets are generally Green, Blue or White in colour.These nets are generally Green, Blue or White in colour.
Ultra violet (UV) stabilized.Ultra violet (UV) stabilized.
21. 2121
ANTI HAIL NETSANTI HAIL NETS
Anti-hail nets are generally used to guard the crops like apple, litchi, etc. from
hails in hail prone areas and high height areas like. Each individual tree needs
the anti hail nets.
Generally these nets are transparent in colour with mesh size of 2*100 mm to
allow the crops to receive a low level of shadow (13% to 30%).
Composition
These are woven from HDPE yarn or are combination of HDPE monofilament
and tape in knitted form, stabilized against UV rays.
Advantages
a) These nets are flexible c) They are strong e) They can be placed on
b) They are low weight d) They are easy to spread simple support structure
22. 2222
PACKING MATERIAL FOR AGRI GOODSPACKING MATERIAL FOR AGRI GOODS
Nets can be used in the form of sacks, bags and tubesNets can be used in the form of sacks, bags and tubes
for packaging of farm products for many end uses. Itfor packaging of farm products for many end uses. It
includes:includes:
Packing sacks for vegetables.Packing sacks for vegetables.
Tubular packing nets for fruits.Tubular packing nets for fruits.
Advantages:Advantages:
Net structures are preferred because of their highNet structures are preferred because of their high
strength, low weight, air permeability and cheapness.strength, low weight, air permeability and cheapness.
The pressure exerted on soft fruits is very less becauseThe pressure exerted on soft fruits is very less because
of the use of flat tape yarns.of the use of flat tape yarns.
Desired open-mesh structure can be produced.Desired open-mesh structure can be produced.
Composition:Composition:
Jute bagsJute bags
Polyethylene Tape yarn, Warp knitted, 50 – 60Polyethylene Tape yarn, Warp knitted, 50 – 60
g/sq.m.g/sq.m.
23. 2323
FISHING NETSFISHING NETS
Composition: Nylon mono-filament, multi-filament or HDPEComposition: Nylon mono-filament, multi-filament or HDPE
Construction: Warp knitted.Construction: Warp knitted.
AdvantagesAdvantages
Helps in fishing and in fish farming.Helps in fishing and in fish farming.
24. 2424
AGRO TEXTILE PRODUCTS AND THEIR APPLICATION IN AGRICULTUREAGRO TEXTILE PRODUCTS AND THEIR APPLICATION IN AGRICULTURE
PRODUCTPRODUCT APPLICATION IN AGRICULTUREAPPLICATION IN AGRICULTURE ANIMALANIMAL
HUSBAN-HUSBAN-
DARYDARY
FISHINGFISHING
CROPCROP
PRODUCEPRODUCE
FLORICUL -FLORICUL -
TURETURE
HORTICUL-HORTICUL-
TURETURE
POST HARVESTINGPOST HARVESTING
KNITTED NETSKNITTED NETS
• SHADINGSHADING
• BIRD PROTECTIONBIRD PROTECTION
• WIND SHIELDSWIND SHIELDS
• ANTI-HAILANTI-HAIL
• HARVESTINGHARVESTING
• FISHINGFISHING
• MILCHINGMILCHING
• PACKAGINGPACKAGING
• SUPPORT NETSSUPPORT NETS
26. 2626
Animal HusbandryAnimal Husbandry
The animal husbandry is another important applicationThe animal husbandry is another important application
where the textile is used for animal related applicationwhere the textile is used for animal related application
which is indirectly related with the field.which is indirectly related with the field.
ApplicationsApplications
Identification belts of polyester and nylon material forIdentification belts of polyester and nylon material for
animals identification.animals identification.
Filtering of milk in an automatic milking system.Filtering of milk in an automatic milking system.
Underlay to reduce the mud on cattle paths and trails.Underlay to reduce the mud on cattle paths and trails.
UDDER WIPES
MILK
FILTERATION
FABRIC
27. 2727
Agro- Protective GarmentsAgro- Protective Garments
During farming there are chances of harmful pesticides willDuring farming there are chances of harmful pesticides will
penetrate through clothing and come contact with the skin and causepenetrate through clothing and come contact with the skin and cause
a problem, use of clothing like rubber apron, waterproof outera problem, use of clothing like rubber apron, waterproof outer
garment, and face mask for longer period is difficult so selection ofgarment, and face mask for longer period is difficult so selection of
clothing is important. These agro protective garments must be:-clothing is important. These agro protective garments must be:-
Lightweight and cheaper.Lightweight and cheaper.
Protect from pesticides.Protect from pesticides.
Good breathable property and readily washable.Good breathable property and readily washable.
Traditionally textiles with polyester and cotton with repellent finishTraditionally textiles with polyester and cotton with repellent finish
was used.was used.
Today these are made from high-tech woven and non-woven withToday these are made from high-tech woven and non-woven with
fluorocarbon finish is used.fluorocarbon finish is used.
This new technology of the protective textile not only protects theThis new technology of the protective textile not only protects the
farmer from harmful pesticides but also keep him comfortable andfarmer from harmful pesticides but also keep him comfortable and
aesthetically satisfied.aesthetically satisfied.
28. 2828
Recent Trends of Developments in Agro textilesRecent Trends of Developments in Agro textiles
Polymer fibre balls as substitute for soil.Polymer fibre balls as substitute for soil.
Screening fabrics for sunlight management.Screening fabrics for sunlight management.
Knitted net hose for water transportation.Knitted net hose for water transportation.
Super absorbent polymer fibre mats for water management inSuper absorbent polymer fibre mats for water management in
horticulture applications.horticulture applications.
Use of water retention nets coated with Super absorbentUse of water retention nets coated with Super absorbent
polymer resin.polymer resin.
Composite of hemp or polypropylene for reducing soilComposite of hemp or polypropylene for reducing soil
pollutants.pollutants.
29. 2929
CONCLUSIONCONCLUSION
Thus, the need of textile goods in the field of agriculture hasThus, the need of textile goods in the field of agriculture has
been stressed and their role in the reduced usage of harmfulbeen stressed and their role in the reduced usage of harmful
pesticides and herbicides to render a healthy farming culturepesticides and herbicides to render a healthy farming culture
underlined.underlined.
Unique manufacturing techniques and properties of this blendUnique manufacturing techniques and properties of this blend
of agro-textile sector products whose cost is lesser than that ofof agro-textile sector products whose cost is lesser than that of
pesticides and chemical herbicides have been emphasized.pesticides and chemical herbicides have been emphasized.
Textiles prove to be flexible in their suitability for specificTextiles prove to be flexible in their suitability for specific
geographical locations. So now it is our turn, to carefully andgeographical locations. So now it is our turn, to carefully and
beautifully shape this infant technology, to contribute to thebeautifully shape this infant technology, to contribute to the
nation's economy.nation's economy.
"Textile is a global text which has the extra style of"Textile is a global text which has the extra style of
applications in all fields, - feel it and endure it"!applications in all fields, - feel it and endure it"!
30. 3030
REFRENCES………..
•"An overview of agrotextiles in Indian scenario",
SASMIRA
•www.fibroline.com/agrotextiles
•www.linq.com/agrotex/agrohome
•www.technical-textiles.net
•www.magrotexsl.com
•www.Agrotex.com
•Subramaniam,V.,Poongodi,G.R. and Sindhiya.
V.2008.Agrotextiles.Man made textiles in India.80-84