Recycled Textile Waste Offers Biodegradable Alternative to Synthetic Agrotextiles
A study by researchers in Nashik and Mumbai developed 31 nonwoven fabrics from recycled natural fibres treated with Amaranthus viridis, assessing their performance in grape, tomato and green chilli cultivation.
Researchers Mrs. Trupti Dhoka of the Department of Textile Science and Fashion Design at SMRK-BK-AK Mahila Mahavidyalaya, Nashik, and Prof. Dr. Vishaka Karnad of the Department of Textile and Fashion Technology at the College of Home Science Nirmala Niketan, Mumbai, have explored the use of recycled textile fibre waste as an alternative to synthetic agrotextiles.
The study examined nonwoven fabrics developed from cotton, wool, viscose rayon, hemp and natural nettle fibres. The fabrics were treated with Amaranthus viridis as a natural finish and evaluated for properties relevant to agricultural applications, including air permeability, water absorbency, moisture regain, UV performance, antimicrobial activity and biodegradability.
Agrotextiles in Indian Agriculture
India's agricultural sector supports a wide range of crops, including spices, fruits, vegetables, cereals and fibre crops. Technical textiles are also used in agriculture through applications such as mulch mats, shade nets, fishing nets, harvesting nets and weed mats.
Agrotextiles are commonly manufactured using synthetic fibres in woven, knitted and nonwoven structures. Polypropylene is among the most widely used fibres for these applications.
Maharashtra is one of India's major fruit- and vegetable-producing states, with Nashik serving as an important agricultural hub. According to the study, approximately 73% of farmers in Nashik are small or marginal holders, cultivating around 40% of the district's farmland.
The region produces vegetables including onion, tomato, pea, brinjal, chilli, cabbage, cauliflower, okra, spinach, bottle gourd, cucumber, carrot, Amaranthus, radish and potato.
Development of Recycled Nonwoven Fabrics
For the study, waste fibres collected from different textile industries were used to develop nonwoven fabrics in different fibre compositions. The researchers produced a total of 31 fabrics using 100%, 50:50 and 70:30 combinations.
Amaranthus viridis was applied as a natural finish to improve the performance properties of the developed materials.
The fabrics were assessed for:
- Air permeability
- Water absorbency
- Moisture regain capacity
- UV performance
- Antimicrobial properties
- Biodegradability
Field trials were conducted on grape farms and on tomato and green chilli plantations. The fabrics were used as shade nets for grapes and as mulch materials for tomato and green chilli cultivation, with testing extending from sowing to harvesting.
Soil properties were recorded before and after the fabrics were laid. The study's observations were monitored over a 15-day period in relation to the plant growth cycle.
Performance Compared with Polypropylene Fabrics
The developed fabrics were compared with polypropylene fabrics already used by farmers. According to the study, the recycled-fibre nonwovens treated with Amaranthus viridis demonstrated favourable UV properties, biodegradability and air permeability, along with improved antimicrobial and water absorbency properties.
The study also reported increases in soil nutrients, including boron, calcium, magnesium and nitrogen, while maintaining the required pH for the respective plants.
These findings indicate the potential of recycled textile fibres and natural finishing treatments for agricultural textile applications. However, further validation across different crops, soil conditions and longer cultivation periods would help establish their performance in wider agricultural use.
Patent Granted for Biodegradable Agrotextile
A patent titled “Biodegradable Amaranthus-Treated Nonwoven Agrotextile and Method for Preparation Thereof” has been granted for the development.
The research highlights the potential to reuse textile fibre waste in biodegradable agrotextiles as an alternative to synthetic materials. Such applications could support textile waste recycling while exploring approaches to soil management and agricultural resource use.