How to choose agrofiber?

Agrofibre is a popular covering material with excellent performance characteristics. But not all summer residents know what it is, how to choose and what is the difference from geotextile - the difference at first glance is small, but it is there. To find answers to all these questions, it is worth examining the properties and applications of black and white material in more detail.

Agrofibre is a polypropylene-based nonwoven fabric made using the spunbond technology... It is obtained by melting polymer filaments in a special way. They are pushed through special forms - dies. The nonwoven fabric formed in this way has good air permeability and covering ability. Agrofibre looks like a perforated tape, resistant to stretching and tearing, outwardly resembles construction membranes or a vapor barrier film.

The creation of this material was from the very beginning aimed at replacing polyethylene coatings that did not meet modern requirements. The new nonwoven fabric turned out to be much more comfortable than its counterparts. Packing of agrofibre is carried out in rolls and packages, the standard cut length is from 10 to 100 m with a width of 1.6 or 3.2 m. It is easy to join, convenient to use in greenhouses of different sizes, suitable for winter use. Under such a covering, the soil warms up faster in spring, while there is no condensation effect.

It is customary to separate agrofiber into black and white. These species differ in density and purpose. It is the thickness that largely determines the purpose of the material. In addition, they have different strength characteristics, which determines the service life of the coating and the peculiarities of its use. Some types are suitable for year-round use, others will have to be cleaned for the winter.

Light shade materials are found in 3 density categories. Among them, the following types of white agrofibre can be distinguished:

1. From 17 to 23 g / m3 density. The thinnest material with excellent light transmittance - up to 80%, ensuring optimal air exchange and moisture evaporation. It is not suitable for stretching over greenhouse arcs, but is well suited for use during the germination period, to protect the first shoots from frost, birds and other external threats. Material with a thickness of up to 23 g / m3 is suitable for protecting young shoots from return frost.
2. 30 to 42 g / m2 density... This material has a light transmittance of 65%, it is strong enough, suitable for creating greenhouses. Such white agrofibre is stretched over arcs to protect plants from external factors, replacing the film with it. The coating turns out to be more durable and durable, ensures the formation of an optimal microclimate inside the greenhouse. The material is able to protect plantings from a drop in atmospheric temperatures up to 6 degrees of frost, exposure to hail, strong gusts of wind, aggressive spring sun.
3. 50 to 60 g / m2 density... The most durable material among the white options, it is able to withstand even winter snow loads without unnecessary difficulty. Agrofibre with a density of 60 g / m2 can withstand frost down to -10 degrees, it is often combined with large greenhouse buildings made of polycarbonate, creating mini-greenhouses inside with early germination of seedlings from seeds. The light transmittance of this variety is the lowest, about 65%, most often it is considered as a seasonal covering material for fruit trees and shrubs.

White agrofibre can be considered the most versatile among other options. It manifests itself much better than film, does not require frequent replacement, and allows you to reduce the annual cost of purchasing the necessary materials for a summer residence.

This material has a standard density of 50-60 g / m2 and is considered landscape material. For agricultural purposes, it is used as a mulch substrate to inhibit the growth of weeds. Laying is carried out directly on the dug-up beds, after fertilizing them. Fixation of the edges is carried out using pins or by pressing method - due to bricks, boards. The thickened structure of the material is completely opaque, while the canvas retains its ability to pass air.

When growing vegetables and perennial berry crops, the surface of the beds is also covered with black agrofibre, leaving only cruciform slots on the surface. Annual crops after ripening are completely removed, the agrofibre is cleaned of traces of soil, dried and sent for seasonal storage. On ridges with perennial plants, the material is stored for up to 5 years, renewed along with the planting of new bushes.

Agrofibre is an excellent solution for use in a summer cottage. The use of this material is quite varied. The densest white varieties are used to shelter shrubs and trees for the winter. They allow air to pass through, but at the same time make it possible to protect the branches and trunk from frostbite.

The thinnest varieties of white agrofibre are designed to be laid directly on the soil surface when germinating seeds. - to retain heat, protect against frost and hard UV radiation. The weightless cover will not prevent the sprouts from developing normally after sowing, they will just slightly lift it.

Weeds black agrofibre canvases are used. They play the role of mulch, fabric edges, with a large coverage area, can be connected with each other with special pins. This format is very convenient for growing berry crops - under the planted strawberry bushes, simply cut a cruciform hole. Among the benefits of using black agrofibre:

• the soil under the surface of the canvas does not overheat;
• weeds do not interfere with plants;
• berries are free from rot, easy to pick, clearly visible when picking;
• soil pests do not get to tender fruits.

It should be added that the formation of the landscape also belongs to the methods of using such material. With the help of black agrofibre, gabions are formed, it is placed in the arrangement of paths, paving of driveways and parking areas, in the formation of decorative islands. In addition, it is used as garden mulch. Covering the surface between bushes, trees, other plantings, you can stop the growth of weeds, prevent the spread of pests.

The black and white coating on rolls allows you to choose which side to lay the material. The light part is laid up, provides good air permeability, does not interfere with the passage of sunlight. The black side, which is in direct contact with the ground, prevents weeds from germinating.This type of strong and durable agrofibre is also used in the landscape design industry.

Among the properties of agrofibre, certain characteristics deserve the greatest attention:

• Good breathability... The material allows heat to pass through and does not interfere with gas exchange. At the same time, unlike the film, overheating of plants is excluded.
• Formation of an optimal microclimate in the greenhouse... The air does not stagnate, depending on the density of the material, you can provide better conditions for different crops.
• High environmental safety... The material does not emit harmful substances, it is produced without the use of harmful chemical compounds.
• Low weight with high strength. In this sense, the material is superior to plastic wrap, it can withstand much more intense mechanical stress. At the same time, the construction of the greenhouse itself is the least affected.
• High level of protection from cold weather. It is worth paying attention to the fact that even with slight frosts, agrofibre copes well with its functions, preventing the seedlings from dying.
• Blocking access for birds and insects.
• Controlling the level of UV radiation... Dangerous rays simply will not reach the young shoots, therefore, the risk of "burning" the seedlings will be minimal.
• Long service life. The material is washable, retains all its characteristics for several years in a row, even with the most intensive use.

The features of agrofibre are such that it does not require removal from the greenhouse during the daytime. For airing, it will be enough to slightly open one of the sides of the structure.

The variety of covering materials creates a noticeable confusion in their names and purpose. Most often, agrofiber is confused with geotextiles. Their similarities and differences are worth considering in more detail:

• Production. Agrofibre belongs to the category of non-woven materials, produced using the spunbond technology. Geotextiles are made on a woven basis, resembling burlap in texture.
• Thickness. Geotextiles are thicker and more durable - from 100 to 200 g / m2. Agrofibre is thinner. Black has a density of up to 60 g / m2, white - from 17 to 60 g / m2.
• Range of applications. In agriculture, geotextiles are considered only as a winter covering material. It is more often used in landscape design, road construction, when creating reinforcing retaining walls on crumbling soils. Agrofibre has a predominantly agricultural purpose, it is widely used as a mulching component, replaces the film, and provides shelter for trees and shrubs.

These are the main differences that can be noted between geotextile and agrofiber. They have only one similarity - in their use as a cover for the ground.

When choosing agrofibre, it is very important to pay attention to the purpose and characteristics of this material. The selection criteria are quite obvious here, but there are also factors that require special attention. To avoid mistakes, it is worth considering some points from the very beginning:

1. For a greenhouse it is worth considering exceptionally light - translucent, coating varieties with a density of 30 to 60 g / m2. The material will provide light transmission at the level of 85-65%, cut off harmful ultraviolet rays. It is possible to equip a greenhouse with such a coating already in March, the soil will warm up better, and residual frost will not damage the seedlings.
2. Insulate shrubs and trees you need the thickest agrofibre. In regions where the winter temperature drops below -20 degrees, it is recommended to use the material, folding it in 2-3 layers to avoid frostbite of the branches.
3. The thickness of the agrofiber affects its light transmission. Experienced gardeners change the surface throughout the season. In early spring, the thinnest canvases are used to help the seedlings warm up faster and grow.During the period of fruit ripening, you can choose a coating with indicators of about 30-40 g / m2.
4. Agrofibre with colored coating - yellow, pink, purple - works to increase yields. It serves as a kind of filter in the path of sunlight, protecting plants from external factors that are dangerous to them. The average increase in the number of fruits can reach 10-15%.
5. For growing strawberries, choose a black or black and white coating.... It helps to make plant care and harvesting as simple and convenient as possible. The absence of weeds in the beds makes it possible to direct all nutrients to the development of cultural plantings. Such a coating will help to minimize the care of other plants - cabbage, tomatoes, cucumbers in the open field.

Taking into account these selection criteria, you can easily find a suitable agrofibre for use in the country, in the garden or in the greenhouse.

You can find out how to make a greenhouse on a site with your own hands using agrofiber by watching the following video.