Weed Management using Fibres from Agricultural Waste – Eco weed mat feasibility assessment

  • 73 pages

  • Published: 28 May 2013

  • Author(s): Miao, Menghe , Clarke, Michael, Best, Adrian

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This research assesses the feasibility of manufacturing a biodegradable weed mat from fibres that are currently waste. The biodegradable weed mats are made from straw fibres using a combination of high productivity nonwoven technologies to provide effective weed suppression as a strong physical barrier and as a solarisation cover.
The Eco Weed Mat (EWM) can be used as an alternative to the petroleum-based polyethylene weed mat, without the negative impact of plastic residues. The report also outlines the potential of a new fibre value-chain in Australia.
This research will be of interest to a broad cross section of land managers from both agricultural and environmental sectors. This report will be of particular interest to growers involved with organic, biodynamic and specialised production across the horticultural sector, managers of national environmental assets, natural resource facilitators, peri-urban land managers, residential garden owners, as well as manufacturers and suppliers of agricultural and garden products.