THERMAL INSULATING TEXTILE COMPOSITE MADE FOR SOIL MULCHING IN AGRICULTURE
The invention refers to a composite for protecting soil against atmospheric and biological factors, consisting of textile reinforcement with cavities which are embedded with expandable polystyrene granules.
The invention refers to a thermal insulating textile composite permeable to air and water, for soil mulching during 18-24 months and 3-6 successive cycles of culture. The composite consists in reinforced textile, knitted or woven from monofilament yarns and cavities with dimensions of 50-150 mm (transversely) and 200- 700 mm (longitudinally) in which expanded polystyrene granules are embedded.
This invention solves the technical issues related to establishing:
a) Chemical nature: high density polyethylene or polypropylene, polyester, polystyrene;
b) Shape: monofilament yarn for reinforced textile, expanded polystyrene granules;
c) Their properties: permeability to air and water, water repellency, UV stabilization of polymers and strength of structures, ecological character;
Experimental confirmation of the functionality and reliability of thermal insulating composite for mulching in real operating conditions was performed in USAMV, both for the warm season (May-October) tomato culture, and for the cold season (October-December) salad culture.
Technical advantages of thermal insulating textile composite are:
- Permeability to water and air, while it does not impregnate with water, thus protecting against rotting the plant parts that come in contact with the soil;
- Prevents sunlight from reaching ground level and therefore hinders temperature increase, water loss and weeds growth.
- Thermal insulating character due to air included in expanded polystyrene granules.
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