Page 18 - Landscape-Issue127

FEATURE

CONDITIONS FOR HEALTHY PLANTS

Fibertex SA are specialists in non-woven and performance-based materials. Their
horticulture solutions encompass the production of geosynthetic materials that are

used to enhance the growth of healthy plants, trees and vegetables. MD Sefton Fripps
says they have seen an upward trend in demand from farmers, horticulturists, nurseries
and gardening enthusiasts for Growbags – an eco-friendly alternative to conventional
plastic bags and pots – that have been designed to improve plant growth.

Above and below: Fibertex capillary mats for sub-irrigation

Citrus growing in Growbags Seedlings planted in Growbags

n important advantage of their pipes. These robust materials are UV to multiple drainage, filtration, separation
locally manufactured Fibertex stabilised and offer high impact resistance and containment issues in gardens,
AGrowbags is that they can be used to avoid damage during installation, as well driveways, patios and ponds.
above and in the ground. Added to this, the as improving mechanical service life and According to Fibertex specialists, this
porous fabric of the bag allows air to pass ensuring extended service life in exposed environmentally friendly material has been
through the root zone, which stabilises the propagation environments. Fibertex designed to minimise maintenance, reduce
temperature to help plants grow quicker capillary mats have been specially designed weeds and avoid the need to use chemicals.
and healthier. When plants grown directly for controlled sub-irrigation for efficient Fibertex Universal performs excellently
in the ground without a Growbag are lifted nursery production. as a separation geotextile between sand
after a few years, roots can be severely The installation of Fibertex capillary mats and stone to prevent intermixing of layers;
damaged, causing the plant to drop its in nurseries and greenhouses improves as a separation material for root control and
leaves and wilt. These portable Growbags the quality of plants by providing the best as a stabilisation fabric for under-paving
range in size from 25 lt to 200 lt and are growing conditions. Capillary mats ensure to prevent sagging and rutting. Fibertex
tear-resistant, with two strong handles for uniform water storage and reduced disease, Universal also acts as a filtration layer to
easy carrying from one position to another, fungus and rot, due to the controlled water allow water to pass through the fabric and
without damaging the plants. hold. These mats, which are also well suited retain soil fines. In addition, it can also be
In plastic plant bags, the roots quickly for computer-controlled watering systems, used behind retaining walls to prevent loss
heat up during the day and cool down eliminate dry spots and prevent areas with of the retained soil through the facing. This
at night. This fluctuation in temperature insufficient fertiliser. versatile material also acts as a separation
causes stress on the plant, inhibiting Fibertex capillary mats are simple to cut and filtration layer in subsoil drainage
growth. The roots of plants grown in a without any fraying at the edges and are easy systems.
conventional pot grow in circles, which to join by welding or gluing. These durable All Fibertex horticulture products are
restricts water and nutrient intake that mats can be re-used many times and maintain manufactured to stringent environmental
hampers the natural growth of the plant. high strength, even in wet conditions. Added and quality standards and are supported by
Included in the broad range of Fibertex to this, they are easy to clean with a high- a technical and advisory service throughout
horticulture products are geosynthetics pressure cleaner or a firm brush. the African continent.
used for constructing growing tunnels and Fibertex also manufactures Universal DIY
high-density polyethylene (HDPE) drainage materials that provide sustainable solutions www.fibertex.com n

16 Landscape SA • Issue 127 2023