Agrofiber (also known as “spunbond”) – is a unique breathable material made from 100% polypropylene, which is produced by thermal bonding of polypropylene threads. Spunbond does not release toxic substances and is not prone to rotting, mold, or pest damage.
Agrofiber is resistant to aggressive (acidic and alkaline) environments, which is why liquid fertilizers can be applied without removing the agrofiber. This material allows sunlight to penetrate (with exceptions, as detailed below), while simultaneously protecting against ultraviolet radiation and excellent moisture permeability. Both light and moisture are supplied in proportions that normalize the microclimate beneath it to an ideal state. Therefore, plants and soil covered with agrofiber feel much better in this environment, resulting in faster growth and fruiting.
The range of agrofiber uses is almost limitless, covering vegetable crops, fruit trees, berries, and flowers. Everyone understands that to increase yields, a suitable climate is needed, which means a higher soil temperature and no stagnant air. Also, appropriate humidity is required, but not excessive. It would also be beneficial to protect plants from insects and birds without blocking sunlight. Good protection against frost and hail is necessary, and it would be good to eliminate weed growth without hindering the growth or quality of the plants themselves. As we can see, there are many requirements, but all of them can indeed be solved simultaneously – by simply using agrofiber. In Europe, back in the 90s, more than a third of fields were covered with agrofiber because its effectiveness is impressive. And the most wonderful thing is that all the listed conditions can be created as early as spring.
What distinguishes agrofiber?
The difference between black and white agrofiber is just one of several classification criteria.
The second important parameter is agrofiber density. For density measurement units, the material's weight per 1 m2 is used, for example, 50 g/m2. If this figure is lower, it means the material's weight per square meter is also less, and thus the fiber thickness decreases. Color and weight are two main parameters that we will now discuss in detail with examples. The thinnest agrofiber, weighing 17, 23 g/m2, is laid directly on the soil over planted seedlings or seeds, because its lightness will not hinder the growth of even the most fragile plants. Medium-density agrofiber (30-40 g/m2) has a greater weight, so it will require a light frame. The densest agrofiber has a density of 50 g/m2, which makes it reliable for the windiest regions; in fact, more is not needed, because with increasing density, vapor and light permeability decrease. It is very well suited due to its strength for greenhouses and gardens. It is often used to cover bushes and trees for winter, and to cover fields in winter as an alternative to snow cover. Agrofiber also transmits light well: 17 g/m2 transmits about 80% of light, while the densest 50 g/m2 – about 65%. And the best advantage of agrofiber is its ability to protect plants from frost: type 17 up to -2°C, type 23 up to -4°C, type 30 up to -6°C, 40 up to -7°C, type 50 up to -8°C. As we can see, white agrofiber has a whole range of types, and each carries some differences in application and characteristics. But in general, if you don't choose the perfect type, there will be no harm, just a slight decrease in effectiveness. And it's worth noting right away that agrofiber is not such an expensive material; anyone can buy it, even for a small plot of land. Moreover, with careful care, it can be used for 2-3 seasons.
The purpose of black agrofiber is completely different from white. Black agrofiber is used for mulching. That is, if light penetrates under white fiber and plants grow and lift it, nothing at all grows under black agrofiber. Firstly, it completely eliminates weeds; secondly, it creates the desired climate, but not on the soil surface, rather inside. The principle of use is simple: black agrofiber is spread over the planting area, and seedlings or seeds are planted in cut holes. As a result, growth occurs only in the cut holes; nothing grows in other places due to the lack of sun, but water and air still reach those areas. Thanks to its air-permeable property, no rotting occurs under the agrofiber, only an excellent microclimate, and always warm soil. By the way, another advantage of black agrofiber is the ability to keep fruits clean. For example, if strawberries are planted on such a material, they will always be clean and well-maintained, and there will be no need to remove weeds six times a season. In addition, agrofiber can be used for several seasons, so it won't need to be removed in the autumn. To fully explore the limits of black agrofiber's use, let's give another example. If you need to turn virgin soil into a garden, you don't necessarily have to dig tons of earth by hand; it's enough to cover everything with black agrofiber, and you can even start planting crops. There will be a harvest in any case, and grass and weeds will simply disappear after a year due to the lack of light. It is very convenient to use white and black agrofiber simultaneously, which will eliminate weeds and create a favorable microclimate not only in the soil but also on the surface of the plot. And the application areas for both types, as we can see, are truly wide, because a garden and vegetable patch are not the only place where healthy, beautiful, and fruitful plants are needed. Agrofiber will be useful when designing a lawn, a grass area near the house, or when creating garden paths. Thus, agrofiber is an indispensable assistant in farming, as it helps reduce weeding efforts and always maintain blooming greenery around the house.
