Mulching suitable for agrotextile use and applications of same

Abstract

The invention relates to mulching suitable for agrotextile use and applications of same, wherein the mulching has a laminar structure of nonwoven fabric and the nonwoven fabric is formed by human hair and plant fibres and is free of non-human animal fibres, the plant fibres comprising at least hemp fibre in a proportion of 30-70% with respect to the total weight and the human hair being in a proportion of 30-70% with respect to the total weight.

Description

[0001] PADDING SUITABLE FOR AGROTEXTILE USE AND ITS APPLICATIONS

[0002] DESCRIPTION

[0003] Field of the invention

[0004] The invention is primarily in the field of plant products, particularly for agricultural, horticultural or gardening applications, among others.

[0005] In particular, the invention relates to a padding suitable for use as agrotextile mulch, for example, for the protection of plants and / or soil in agriculture, horticulture or gardening, and which has a laminar structure of nonwoven fabric, for example, a batt made of different types of fibers.

[0006] The invention also relates to its manufacturing process, as well as corresponding devices and systems comprising said padding.

[0007] The invention also relates to a floating barrier for water decontamination containing said padding. The invention also relates to the use of said padding as an insulating component for various applications.

[0008] State of the art

[0009] Mulching, also known as padding, is used in agriculture, horticulture, viticulture, and gardening to cover the soil with a product whose main purpose is to protect plants and the soil from atmospheric agents such as drying, the leaching of substrate and / or its nutrients due to rain, changes in soil temperature, etc. Mulching also prevents the emergence of weeds. In this way, mulch favors growing processes, improving plant health and increasing their yield. Some mulches are also used to protect slopes and / or prevent soil erosion. Traditionally, materials such as straw, ferns, pruning remains, or grass clippings have been spread over the land to be protected. These mulches generally have a short lifespan because the material degrades quickly.On the other hand, some mulch, when decomposed, provides additional nutrients to the soil. Other common products include tree bark, sawdust, dried leaves, or even sand or gravel. Mulch should be replaced frequently and spread in a relatively thin layer to prevent soil compaction due to its weight and to promote aeration.

[0010] With the goal of improving durability, plastic mulches have appeared on the market. These mulches are able to retain moisture for a long time, are easy to apply, are lightweight, and do not degrade as quickly as traditional mulches, although they must be removed at the end of the growing season. Biodegradable plastic mulches are also available, which eliminate the need to remove them at the end of the season, although they generally do not degrade completely, leaving a lot of fine plastic waste when trying to remove them at the end of the season. However, all these types of plastic mulches have significant drawbacks. The main one is the use of plastic itself, which has a very negative impact on the environment. Furthermore, if it is impermeable, it prevents rainwater from reaching the soil and also hinders oxygen exchange.Likewise, they can stress plants because they don't regulate temperature, but rather tend to increase it. This is an advantage in cold climates, but can be problematic in temperate climates or seasons. Therefore, plants should be left free and localized irrigation, such as drip irrigation, should typically be used.

[0011] Subsequently, other types of mulch have appeared in the form of products with a non-woven fabric layer structure, composed of interwoven natural fibers to avoid the use of plastics. For example, there are commercial products consisting of mulches made from coconut fibers, specifically discs of sheet material that are placed on top of the substrate of a pot, with a cutout to allow the plant stem to pass through.

[0012] More recently, other types of mulches have also emerged that are designed to recycle waste materials, particularly human hair. After a haircut, for example, in a hair salon, the usual treatment for discarded hair is burning, which has negative environmental impacts. For this reason, some solutions propose recycling this hair to create mulches that can be used in agriculture, horticulture, or gardening, for example. However, hair itself has a very slow biodegradability time, taking up to seven years, so the remains would have to be removed frequently. Furthermore, hair is stiff and straight, making it difficult to create mulches with a certain structure. For all these reasons, the proposed solutions require other fibers that provide a structure in which the hair can remain embedded without falling out.Thus, solutions combining human hair with wool, or with similar fibers such as cotton, are well-known. Unfortunately, both wool and cotton present significant and widely recognized environmental problems. Wool requires animal breeding and care, with the associated costs, carbon footprint, and water consumption. Cotton cultivation, on the other hand, requires a large amount of water and has a significant ecological and social impact. Consequently, the corresponding mulches, despite recycling human hair, are generally unsustainable.

[0013] Therefore, a type of mulch is needed that offers an alternative to the known ones and solves the problems described above.

[0014] Summary of the invention

[0015] The invention aims to provide a padding of the type indicated at the beginning, which allows to solve the problems described above.

[0016] This purpose is achieved by means of a padding of the type indicated at the beginning, characterized in that said non-woven fabric is composed of human hair and plant fibers, and is free of fibers of non-human animal origin; in which said plant fibers comprise at least hemp fibers in a proportion of between 30% and 70% with respect to the total weight and in which said human hair is present in a proportion of between 30% and 70% with respect to the total weight.

[0017] The mulch of the invention facilitates the recycling of human hair, which would normally be discarded in hair salons or barbershops, and also offers several advantages over mulches known in the art. First, since it is free of animal fibers, for example, wool, animals such as wild boars and rabbits are not attracted to the mulch and, consequently, to the plants or crops being protected. It has also been proven that not only are animals not attracted, but the presence of human hair free of animal fibers actually scares them away. Furthermore, although both wool and hemp retain heat, said retention is significantly greater in the case of wool, even when wet, which can be detrimental in warm climates or seasons, as it hinders heat exchange from the soil.Additionally, the mulch of the present invention is suitable for vegan biocyclic cultivation processes, whose characteristics require that the cultivation procedures follow the principles of veganism.

[0018] Secondly, hemp fibers advantageously complement those of human hair. Hemp fibers are obtained from industrial hemp, whose cultivation is very low in nutrients and especially water, with an estimated water consumption of up to 90% less than that of cotton. Its cultivation generally does not require fumigation or chemical fertilizers. It is a versatile and resilient crop with a very high yield. All of this makes it highly sustainable. Thus, the mulch of the invention, which features a high proportion of human hair and hemp fibers, results in an efficient and highly sustainable product. In addition to allowing human hair to be recycled, it also protects the soil and plants, retains water, prevents weeds, and regulates temperature, among other characteristics.Furthermore, it prevents soil compaction and allows oxygen exchange without preventing rainwater from reaching the soil. It also helps repel potentially harmful animals, such as rabbits and wild boars, from harming plants. Preliminary tests have shown that irrigation water consumption is reduced by at least the same amount as with plastic mulches. It also reduces or even eliminates the need for herbicides such as glyphosate.

[0019] Furthermore, the invention encompasses a number of preferred features which are the subject of the dependent claims and whose usefulness will be highlighted later in the detailed description of an embodiment of the invention.

[0020] Preferably, said plant fibers comprise first fibers with a length between 10 and 100 mm in a proportion of at least 5% relative to the total weight. It has been experimentally proven that a small amount of plant fibers of relatively long length provides a unifying effect that improves the stability of the final product, such that shorter fibers, and especially pile, are less likely to fall out of the padding. These first fibers may comprise hemp fibers and / or other types of fibers such as jute or flax. Preferably, said first fibers have a length of 60 mm, which is a particularly advantageous value given that they are readily available on the market while providing sufficient stability for most padding configurations.

[0021] Preferably, said first fibers are present in a proportion of between 5% and 20% of the total weight, which has been proven experimentally to be a particularly advantageous range in terms of the quantity of said first fibers and sufficient to maintain the stability of the product. Preferably, said first fibers are present in a proportion of 10% of the total weight.

[0022] Preferably, said first fibers comprise hemp, jute, or flax fibers, or combinations thereof. Thus, the first fibers may be at least partly hemp fibers in the padding, and may also comprise other types of fibers. Jute and flax are particularly advantageous options given their cultivation, recycling, and market presence characteristics. Among these options, jute is particularly preferred given that it can be recycled from other products and, furthermore, flax requires greater water during cultivation.

[0023] Preferably, said plant fibers comprise only hemp fibers, and said hemp fibers have a quantity of hemp stem remains less than 15% relative to the total weight of hemp. Therefore, this type of refined hemp fibers are substantially free of stem remains and other impurities that contain significant amounts of lignin and that make it difficult for the hemp to easily intermix with the rest of the fibers to form the mulch. Thus, these hemp fibers are more easily usable for mulch than conventional industrial hemp fibers, which are present with stems and other irregularities. With this type of fiber, it is generally not necessary to add other types of plant fibers to the mixture to create the mulch, for example, jute and / or flax.On the other hand, the manufacturing cost may be slightly higher since additional processing of the hemp is required to obtain fibers with these characteristics.

[0024] Preferably, such mulch has a thickness between 1 and 20 cm. Mulches made with thinner mulches have less durability and offer less protection, but are also easier to handle, especially for small-scale applications, for example, in gardening. On the other hand, thick mulches are more durable and offer greater protection, which can be particularly advantageous in situations where significant soil and plant protection is required, for example, in agricultural holdings. Although mulches with thicknesses greater than 20 cm can be considered, for practical purposes, their handling, storage, and deployment may be too cumbersome in relation to the benefits they could provide.

[0025] Preferably, said padding has a weight of between 100 and 4000 gr / m 2. Similar to the padding thickness described above, its weight is also related to density, so higher weights mean more material per unit area. The effects and advantages, as well as considerations regarding specific weights, are equivalent to those of the padding thickness described above. In a preferred embodiment, said padding has a weight of 1000 g / m 2 This weight is durable enough to be used for more than one season, which is particularly advantageous for protecting trees such as olive, almond, or fruit trees, thus avoiding the farmer's work, as he does not need to remove the remains of the previous mulch and apply a new one. These weights, and in particular the 1000 gr / m² 2or higher, can reduce or even avoid the use of herbicides such as glyphosate, making them particularly advantageous for organic farming. Medium weights are particularly advantageous for use in parks, as they use less water for maintenance and also allow for continued soil enrichment.

[0026] Preferably, said laminar structure is formed by at least two superimposed layers that have been compacted and intermixed by a needling process, such that the different fibers, both plant and human hair, are intertwined and the padding maintains its structural integrity, forming a laminar layer that can be spread over the soil to be protected. The invention also relates to an agrotextile mulch comprising padding according to any of the preferred forms described above, suitable for use in agriculture, horticulture, or gardening.

[0027] The invention also relates to the use of a mulch according to any one of the preferred forms described above as a protection element for one or more plants, deployed on a substrate, in particular in the field of agriculture, horticulture or gardening,

[0028] The invention also relates to the use of a mulch according to any of the preferred forms described above as a protective element wrapped around the base of a tree or a vine.

[0029] The invention also relates to the use of mulch according to any of the preferred forms described above for urban gardens, in particular vertical gardens, for example, of the wall type, both indoor and outdoor, or in urban vertical gardens used to regulate the temperature in city buildings and capture CO2.

[0030] Likewise, mulch can be used for other applications. Non-exclusive examples include potted plants, indoor or outdoor ornamental plants, raised vegetable beds, urban gardens, shrubs, trees, particularly fruit trees, and vegetable plots, for example, in the cultivation of lettuce, cauliflower, cabbage, asparagus, strawberries, etc., as well as in micro-gardening, to protect fruit trees and vines by placing it around them, or even for floating gardens.

[0031] The invention also relates to a device for agriculture, horticulture, or gardening, comprising: mulch according to any of the preferred forms described above; measuring means, attachable to said mulch, and configured to obtain measurements of environmental conditions, preferably periodically; communication means, configured to send said measurements to a server; and power supply means, configured to electrically supply said measuring means and said communication means. In the context of this invention, environmental conditions refer to the environment in a generic way; for example, they can include both air and soil conditions. Since the mulch is deployed in the area to be protected and the measuring means are attached to said mulch, the generated device is easily deployable over said area.Thus, the device described combines the advantages of mulch described above with the additional possibility of monitoring the conditions to which the plants to be protected are exposed. By way of non-exclusive examples, the measuring means may comprise, for example, sensors for humidity, temperature, pH, salinity, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, redox potential, etc. Likewise, the communication means may be centralized for all the measuring means, although it may also be envisaged that each measuring means may comprise an autonomous unit comprising both sensors and communication means, or even intermediate situations in which a group of measuring means use some communication means and other measuring means use different communication means.In any case, the communication means may comprise both wired communications and, more preferably, wireless communications, by way of example, with technologies such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, WiMAX, 4G or 5G telephony, Zigbee, etc. Likewise, embodiments may be envisaged in which the device comprises control means that receive said measurements from the measurement means and send them to said server through said communication means, either the raw measurements, or with a preprocessing and / or filtering of the same. In relation to the server, the person skilled in the art will understand that a generic term is used here and that it may be any server environment known in the art, for example, a physical server, a cluster of servers, one or more virtual servers, etc.

[0032] Preferably, said power supply means comprise at least one photovoltaic solar panel and / or one or more batteries, such that no grid wiring is required and the device can operate autonomously. The combination of one or more photovoltaic panels with one or more batteries is particularly convenient for maintaining operation even when available solar energy is low or nonexistent, for example, at night or in bad weather.

[0033] Preferably, said environmental condition measurements of said measuring means comprise at least one of: soil moisture; soil temperature; soil conductivity; soil pH; soil salinity; dissolved oxygen; redox potential; air temperature; and air humidity.

[0034] Preferably, the soil-related measuring means, in particular for humidity and / or temperature measurements, are configured to perform measurements at two depths, more preferably at -15 cm and -30 cm, so that a more precise profile of irrigation needs can be obtained.

[0035] Preferably, said measuring means comprise at least a plurality of temperature and humidity sensors arranged at different points on said mulch, such that measurements can be taken at different points in the area to be protected, thus providing measurements with detailed information that allow for an assessment of any discrepancies or specific problems in any part of said area. By way of a non-exclusive example, a device configuration can be provided with a 100 m long mulch to which several humidity and temperature sensors are attached, such that the user can use the corresponding measurements to determine irrigation requirements.

[0036] The invention also relates to a system for agriculture, horticulture, or gardening, comprising: at least one device according to any of the forms described above; a server for receiving said measurements from said at least one device; and a client application, configured to establish a connection with said server and display said measurements.

[0037] In this way, the user can receive status information in the client application, for example, an app on a smartphone or tablet. The server can also be configured to allow access to different users, each associated with one or more devices deployed in their own facilities, with each user receiving information only from their associated devices. This client-server structure allows for the reuse of elements and the possibility of offering monitoring as a service to users who have purchased one or more devices of the indicated type.

[0038] The invention also relates to the use of one or more devices or systems according to any of the preferred forms described above to protect one or more plants and obtain status information about them and / or the soil.

[0039] The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing padding suitable for agricultural textile use, comprising a non-woven fabric laminar structure, comprising the following steps: mixing, preferably in a silo or chamber, a mixture of human hair and plant fibers, said mixture being free of fibers of non-human animal origin; wherein said plant fibers comprise at least hemp fibers in a proportion of between 30% and 70% relative to the total weight, and wherein said human hair is present in a proportion of between 30% and 70% relative to the total weight; carding said mixture to obtain a veil; folding said veil into at least two superimposed layers; punching said superimposed layers to intermix the fibers and obtain a compacted web; and cutting said web to obtain said padding.

[0040] This process allows for the creation of a padding with structural characteristics and stability that are particularly suitable for the combination of fibers and human hair described above.

[0041] The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing an agrotextile padding having a non-woven fabric laminar structure having the following steps: creating a veil by an airlaid process from a mixture of human hair and plant fibers, said mixture being free of fibers of non-human animal origin; wherein said plant fibers comprise at least hemp fibers in a proportion of between 30% and 70% with respect to the total weight, and wherein said human hair is present in a proportion of between 30% and 70% with respect to the total weight; preferably, folding said veil into at least two superimposed layers; needling said veil to intermix the fibers and obtain a compacted web; and cutting said web to obtain said padding.

[0042] The invention also relates to the agrotextile padding obtained by one of the processes described above, as well as the corresponding applications of said padding, which correspond equivalently to those described for the padding described at the beginning.

[0043] Following the development of the padding described above and its initial uses in the fields of crop and plant protection, additional testing has been conducted in other application areas where this padding has proven to be extremely advantageous given its structural and composition characteristics, while maintaining a low environmental impact during its manufacture. These applications share the same general inventive concept of using, as the main element, a padding composed of hair and plant fibers, with the advantages described initially.

[0044] One of the most notable applications is in water decontamination barriers, for example, marine waters and, in particular, for use in ports.

[0045] Thus, the invention also relates to a floating barrier for water decontamination comprising: a plurality of absorption segments, having an elongated shape with two opposite ends; flotation means, configured to keep said plurality of absorption segments afloat; and joining means, to join said segments together forming said barrier; wherein at least one of said absorption segments, and preferably each of said segments, comprises: a cover, made of a material that allows the passage of water; and a filling, comprising padding according to any one of the embodiments described above.

[0046] In the field of environmental management, polypropylene water decontamination barriers are known for capturing hydrocarbons and / or heavy metals present in water. These types of barriers are used, for example, in port environments, whether marine, lakes, or rivers, where the presence of these pollutants is common due to oil and fuel spills from vessels. However, the use of plastic materials has the disadvantage that, in addition to the environmental impact of their manufacture and production, they can decompose, generating microplastics that are released into the water and can enter the ecosystem of marine fauna.

[0047] In comparison, the barrier of the invention is made from natural fibers, and its contaminant-absorbing elements also do not require the presence of synthetic materials. The padding of the invention has been found to have very advantageous characteristics in terms of contaminant absorption, particularly for oils and hydrocarbons. In particular, the pile exhibits a notable adsorption effect for oils and hydrocarbons, which also occurs when combining pile with other plant fibers, and especially in the case of hemp fibers. Thus, barriers made from these fibers have contaminant absorption characteristics comparable to or even better than those of barriers based on synthetic materials. Preliminary tests have shown an oil-filtering capacity of approximately 5.6 times the weight of the barrier.

[0048] Furthermore, since the barriers are made up of segments, the assembly is easy to deploy and retract, facilitating handling and use in a variety of environments. The segments can be joined together in different configurations depending on the characteristics, shape, and dimensions of the location where the barrier will be used.

[0049] Preferably, said joining means comprise loops at each of said ends of said at least one segment and at least one carabiner, said carabiner preferably being made of stainless steel, in particular type 316. In this way, the carabiner is used to join the loop of one segment with another adjacent segment of the barrier.

[0050] Preferably, said filling comprises a plurality of quilting scraps and / or at least one quilting sheet, crumpled inside said cover. This is an embodiment that maximizes the external surface area of ​​the quilting, which, in turn, can maximize its adsorption capacity and also allows for the utilization of scraps from the manufacturing of said quilting.

[0051] Preferably, said filling comprises at least one sheet of padding rolled onto itself, thus forming a padding roll. This embodiment gives the segment greater stability and provides consistent absorption characteristics. The resulting filter has a spiral shape, so the water passing through it is interrupted by different layers that filter out potential contaminants.

[0052] Preferably, said filling comprises human hair, wrapped in said padding. As previously mentioned, hair has a high adsorption capacity for contaminants, particularly oils and hydrocarbons. For this reason, a barrier in which the segments contain human hair could be a good solution for the manufacture of decontamination barriers, with the reuse of that hair, rather than its disposal, as described above. However, the use of hair directly within a barrier is not practically feasible or, at the very least, presents difficulties. Mainly, the hair tends to escape through the interstices of the sheath, which results in degradation of the environment where the barrier is used and of the barrier itself. Furthermore, the use of human hair as the main filling element would significantly reduce the manufacturing costs of the barrier.In this way, the preferred embodiment described is a solution that offers the advantages of both: on the one hand, human hair is used directly, but said hair is confined within a wrapping structure created by the padding of the invention. This padding prevents the hair from escaping (or at least reduces this problem) while maintaining its absorption capacity, since its adsorption characteristics are very similar to those of pure human hair. In a preferred option, the padding surrounding the pure human hair has a weight of at least 1,000 g / m³. 2 To improve the hair holding characteristics, more preferably between 850 and 1000 gr / m 2 in order to maintain good flexibility, low weight and a tight manufacturing cost.

[0053] Preferably, said cover is made of a fabric so that water can pass through it without too much resistance, allowing the filtering filler to act. Said fabric is preferably made of cotton, particularly organic cotton, and / or hemp, although a preferred embodiment is hemp fabric, given the cultivation and manufacturing advantages mentioned above.

[0054] Preferably, each of said segments comprises two external handles, each arranged proximal to one of the ends of said segment. This configuration facilitates handling and transport. Furthermore, it allows connecting means, for example, the loop and carabiner, to connect the end of one segment to a handle on the adjacent segment. This assembly arrangement results in the adjacent segments partially overlapping, which reduces the possibility of unfiltered water flowing between them. Furthermore, in cases where the barrier is equipped with measuring devices, as will be seen later, these devices can be securely located in the overlapping area between adjacent segments.

[0055] Preferably, at least one of said segments comprises at least one additional handle arranged in an intermediate region of said segment, which is particularly advantageous for handling and transport, especially for long segments.

[0056] Preferably, each of said handles comprises a handle made of the same material as said sheath and preferably provided with a reinforcement band, more preferably of hemp fabric, extending longitudinally along said handle. Said handle is sewn to said sheath, and said sheath has a reinforced area at the junction with said handle. In this way, the same type of materials are used as in the rest of the elements and, in the particular case of hemp, the environmental impact of manufacturing is minimized. The reinforcement areas and the reinforcement in the handle itself enhance the technical effects described above for them.

[0057] Preferably, said flotation means comprise cork floats attached to the ends of each of said absorption segments. Cork, particularly natural cork as used in the invention, is also a biodegradable material with a low environmental impact, with good buoyancy characteristics to keep the barriers of the invention afloat, and which avoids the use of other synthetic materials, particularly plastics, commonly used in the manufacture of buoys or floats. Preferably, said flotation means comprise cork floats arranged inside said sheath, forming part of said filling. In this way, buoyancy is more uniform along each segment of the barrier. Internal and external cork floats can also be combined, for example, those described above.

[0058] Preferably, the barrier further comprises at least one measuring device comprising: at least one sensor for obtaining water measurements; communication means configured to send said measurements to a server; power supply means configured to electrically supply said at least one sensor and said communication means; floating means; and fastening means for fastening said measuring device to said barrier.

[0059] This embodiment is particularly advantageous for monitoring the state of the waters in which the barrier has been deployed, observing its evolution over time, detecting spills, and obtaining measurements that allow the operation of each barrier to be monitored or to determine when it should be replaced. This monitoring can be performed in real time, for example, with sampling at regular intervals and sending the measured data to a server. The shape and configuration of the barrier of the invention allows the measuring device to be securely held, for example, with each of said at least one measuring device being attached to two adjacent segments of said barrier. This option is particularly advantageous in combination with the handle and loop structure described above.

[0060] Preferably, said power supply means comprise at least one photovoltaic solar panel and / or a battery, which can guarantee the autonomy of the barrier throughout its useful life.

[0061] Preferably, said water measurements comprise at least one of temperature, conductivity, pH, salinity, dissolved oxygen, and contaminants present in the water, particularly oils, hydrocarbons, and / or heavy metals. Preferably, said flotation means comprise floats, preferably made of cork, for reasons equivalent to those described above. Likewise, the securing means preferably comprise at least one snap hook, which may advantageously be made of stainless steel, particularly type 316.

[0062] The invention also relates to a system for water decontamination comprising: at least one floating barrier according to any one of the forms described above; a server for receiving said measurements from said at least one measuring device; and a client application, configured to establish a connection with said server and display said measurements.

[0063] The configuration type is equivalent to that described for the mulch system for agricultural applications, so for the sake of brevity, it will not be repeated here. The combination of a decontamination barrier with a sensor system that allows data monitoring is particularly advantageous not only for the decontamination itself, but also for predicting and responding to specific events that may occur in the water area(s) where the barriers are deployed. This effect is enhanced by the fact that several barrier embodiments facilitate the placement of monitoring devices.

[0064] The invention also relates to the use of padding as an insulator in various applications, given that it has been proven to have notably advantageous characteristics as a breathable thermal insulator and also as an acoustic insulator, which allows obtaining the benefits of low ecological impact in its manufacture in sectors where these characteristics can be exploited.

[0065] Thus, the invention also relates to a building insulation comprising padding according to any one of the embodiments described above. This provides advantageous thermal and acoustic insulation characteristics. The invention also relates to an automotive insulation comprising padding according to any one of the embodiments described above. Preferably, an insulation for use in a caravan, motorhome, or camper van.

[0066] The invention also relates to a thermal insulator for footwear comprising padding according to any one of the embodiments described above.

[0067] The invention also relates to a thermal insulator for clothing comprising padding according to any one of the embodiments described above.

[0068] The invention also relates to an aircraft seat cover comprising padding according to any one of the embodiments described above.

[0069] The invention also relates to an acoustic absorber comprising padding according to any one of the embodiments described above, in particular, for use in loudspeakers and / or for soundproofing spaces.

[0070] Furthermore, the invention also encompasses other detailed features illustrated in the detailed description of an embodiment of the invention and in the accompanying figures.

[0071] Description of the drawings

[0072] Other advantages and features of the invention are apparent from the following description, which, without limitation, describes some preferred embodiments of the invention, with reference to the accompanying drawings. The figures show:

[0073] Fig. 1 shows two paddings according to the invention in a rolled presentation for transport and storage.

[0074] Fig. 2 shows an example of the mulch of the invention protecting the soil around a tree, for example, an olive tree.

[0075] Fig. 3 shows an example of mulch being deployed to protect plants. Fig. 4 shows another example of mulch being deployed to protect plants.

[0076] Figs. 5A to 5E show various examples of use of the padding according to the invention.

[0077] Fig. 6 shows some real examples of the use of padding according to the invention to protect lettuce plants during their cultivation.

[0078] Fig. 7 shows an example of using mulch to protect a vertical garden in the form of a mural.

[0079] Fig. 8 shows an example of the use of mulch to protect the base of a vine.

[0080] Fig. 9 shows an example of the use of mulch to protect a tree, particularly an olive tree.

[0081] Fig. 10 shows an example of the initial mixture of plant fibers and human hair used to make the padding.

[0082] Fig. 11 shows an example of a finished quilt at the time of rolling it up for storage and transport.

[0083] Fig. 12 shows a rolled-up mulch forming a mulch roll suitable for use in a floating water decontamination barrier.

[0084] Fig. 13 shows a diagram of an embodiment of a floating barrier for water decontamination according to the invention.

[0085] Fig. 14A, 14B and 14C show, respectively, schematic top, side and internal views of an embodiment of an absorption segment of a floating barrier for water decontamination according to the invention.

[0086] Fig. 15A, 15B and 15C show, respectively, schematic top, side and internal views of another embodiment of an absorption segment of a floating barrier for water decontamination according to the invention. Fig. 16 shows a schematic of another embodiment of a floating barrier for water decontamination according to the invention.

[0087] Detailed description of some embodiments of the invention

[0088] Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of a mulch 1 suitable for agrotextile use according to the invention, which is presented as a rolled sheet structure for deployment on a surface for agricultural, horticultural, viticultural or gardening applications. The figure shows two exemplary presentations, a wider one that allows protecting several plants in parallel and a narrower one, typically for a single row of plants. The sheet structure is a web of a nonwoven fabric composed of a mixture of human hair in a proportion of between 30% and 70% and plant fibers in a proportion of between 70% and 30%, all proportions being understood by weight with respect to the total weight of the product. The sheet structure is free of fibers of non-human animal origin.In the case of the first embodiment, the padding consists solely of human hair from beauty salons and hemp fibers, both in a proportion of 50% of the total weight of the product. The hemp fibers in the first embodiment have previously undergone a cleaning process so that they are substantially free of stem remains and other impurities, which represent less than 15% of the total weight of the hemp. Furthermore, the hemp fibers have an average length of approximately 60 mm. The padding has a thickness of 0.8 cm and a weight of 490 g / m². 2 This implementation is advantageous if the application is not required for a very long period, so that within a few months the mulch formed by the mulch 1 degrades and integrates, enriching the soil. During subsequent sowings, a new mulch 1 can be deployed.

[0089] Although various manufacturing methods can be envisioned, the agrotextile mulch 1 of the first embodiment is manufactured by creating a veil using an airlaid process, from a mixture of human hair and hemp. The veil is folded into at least two overlapping layers and punched to compact and intermix the fibers, thus obtaining the compacted batt. Finally, it is cut to the desired measurements to create the mulch and rolled up for transport and storage. Fig. 3 shows a diagram of one way of deploying the mulch 1 on the ground as mulch to protect plants 3. As can be seen, the plants 3 are surrounded by the mulch, and the ends of the mulch 1 are buried for securement. Fig. 4 shows an alternative way of deploying the mulch 1 using staples to secure it to the ground. Fig.6 shows an actual photo of the mulch 1 of the first embodiment deployed on a substrate 2, in this case the soil of a vegetable garden, such that it is used as a protection element for several plants 3. The figure shows in the foreground two rows of lettuce plants protected by the mulch 1 of the invention, which can be seen in a light color. The photo corresponds to comparative tests with respect to when no mulch is used with the mulch 1 and also with respect to plastic mulches (observed in dark lines). The two mulches according to the invention in the foreground are different: the mulch indicated on the left corresponds to that of the first embodiment, while the central one has a weight of 980 g / m. 2and a thickness of 1.5 cm. Preliminary test results indicate that, among other advantages, water requirements could be around 30% or more lower than those of the non-mulch control, similar to plastic mulches, but without the drawbacks.

[0090] Fig. 2 shows an example of mulch 1 used to protect a single tree, for example, an olive tree. In some trees, it is advisable to also protect its stem 4. This type of use is also common in vineyards, where the stem 4 of the vine is protected, as shown in Fig. 8, and, usually, the vineyard floor as well.

[0091] Below are other embodiments of the padding according to the invention that share many of the characteristics described in the preceding paragraphs. Therefore, only the differentiating elements will be described below, while for the common elements, reference is made to the description of the first embodiment.

[0092] In a second embodiment, the padding 1 has a weight of 1000 gr / m 2, and a thickness of between 1.5 and 2 cm, thus increasing durability, which can last a full season or even longer, depending on environmental conditions and irrigation. This second embodiment is also advantageous for creating protective mats for passageways. Other weights and thicknesses can be provided depending on the desired durability and application characteristics. In a third embodiment, the padding 1 is made up of 50% human hair, 40% hemp fibers, and 10% jute fibers. Other embodiments can be provided in which the jute fibers are partially or completely replaced by flax fibers. In the third embodiment, the jute and / or flax fibers have a length of approximately 60 mm and facilitate the cohesion of the whole, especially if the hemp has not undergone a cleaning process to remove stems and other impurities.The weight of this embodiment is 1000 gr / m. 2 , although other weights can be provided depending on the desired durability and use.

[0093] In a fourth embodiment, derived from the third embodiment, the padding 1 is produced by initially mixing the pile and plant fibers in a silo or mixing chamber, carding the mixture to obtain a fleece, which is folded into two or more superimposed layers, which are then punched to intermix the fibers and obtain a compacted batt. The batt is then cut and rolled for transport and storage.

[0094] Figs. 5A to 5E show other exemplary uses of the mulches 1 of the invention. Fig. 5A shows an agricultural, horticultural or gardening use in which the mulch 1 is arranged on the ground 2 as mulch to protect one or more plants 31. Fig. 5B shows another use in which the mulch is deployed on a slope to minimize soil erosion. Fig. 5C corresponds to its use in urban gardens, both on buildings and in the case of vertical gardens. A further example is shown in Fig. 7, where the mulch 1 is used in an internal vertical garden in the form of a mural. The mulch 1 of the invention is particularly favorable for use in vertical gardens, both internal and external, because, in addition to the advantages described above, it allows to improve the support of the plants in this type of vertical gardens.Aside from its decorative effects, this application is particularly interesting for capturing CO2 indoors and / or in cities, and also helps regulate the temperature in buildings, which in turn helps reduce the need for air conditioning. Fig. 5D shows another use in gardening, with the mulch arranged on top of the substrate of a pot and / or at the bottom to prevent pooling of roots, which could be caused by accumulated water. Fig. 5E shows another example of use for slope stabilization. A fifth embodiment, not shown in the figures, is derived from the second, third, or fourth embodiment, although it may also be envisaged that it may be derived from the first embodiment or even from other forms corresponding to different compositions and weights of the mulch 1.In this fifth embodiment, a device is provided that includes the padding 1 described above, as well as a series of elements that allow measurements to be taken of the environment, the soil, or the plants to be protected. First, measuring means, specifically sensors, are arranged at different points of the padding 1 and can be attached to it to take measurements of the soil and the environment. The sensors allow measurements of soil humidity, temperature, and conductivity at two depths: -15 cm and -30 cm. Other embodiments incorporate additional sensors, for example, to measure pH, dissolved oxygen, redox potential, and soil salinity. In other embodiments, in addition to the soil sensors described, the device is also provided with air temperature and humidity sensors. The measurements are taken periodically and sent to a server via a wireless data connection.The active elements (sensors, communications, etc.) are powered by one or more photovoltaic solar panels through one or more batteries that allow the energy generated by the solar panels to be stored and maintain a stable power supply.

[0095] In the sixth embodiment, a complete system is also provided, composed of one or more of the devices described, a server that receives the measurements and a client application that communicates with the server and allows said measurements to be viewed and monitored.

[0096] Other application examples for the padding 1 according to the invention are: construction insulation comprising said padding 1; automotive insulation comprising said padding 1, in particular for use in a caravan, motorhome or camper van; thermal insulation for footwear comprising said padding 1; thermal insulation for clothing comprising said padding 1; acoustic absorber comprising said padding 1, in particular for use in loudspeakers and / or for soundproofing spaces; airplane seat cover comprising said padding 1. Figs. 12 to 16 refer to embodiments of a floating barrier 100 for water decontamination, for example for use in ports.

[0097] Fig. 13 shows a first embodiment of said floating barrier 100. The figure schematically shows a barrier 100 formed by three absorption segments 101, although even longer barriers can be provided by joining more segments 101. Each of the segments 101 has an elongated shape with two opposite ends and has a tubular structure with a cover 104, made of a material that allows the passage of water, and a filling 105, which comprises a padding 1 as described above. In particular, a filling 105 formed by human hair wrapped in said padding 1 is used. Some of the segments 101 may also have fillings formed by sheets of padding 1 rolled up on itself, thus forming a roll 108 of padding 1 as shown in Fig. 12. In other embodiments, the padding 1 is incorporated into the filling by crumpling scraps of padding 1 and / or one or more sheets of padding 1.For the example embodiments, padding 1 with a relatively high grammage of between 850 and 1000 g / m is used. 2 especially in that padding 1 that envelops the pure human hair, in such a way that it improves its containment. Other weights can be envisaged, depending on the internal arrangement of the padding 105, as well as different thicknesses for the padding sheets 1, although for the example a thickness of between 5 and 15 mm is used, generally 10 mm. For its part, the cover 104 is made of hemp fabric, although other types of fabric can be envisaged, for example cotton, particularly organic cotton.

[0098] In the example figure, the filled part of the central segment 101 has a length of 150 cm and a diameter of 10 cm, while for the two lateral segments 101 said length is 120 cm, although other dimensions suitable for the specific application can be provided.

[0099] Fig. 14A-14C show different schematic detailed views of a segment 101 as used in the barrier 100 of Fig. 13. In particular, Fig. 14A is a top view and Fig. 14B is a side view, while Fig. 14C schematically shows the internal content of the segment 101 as well as some additional elements that also form part of the barrier 100, in particular: flotation means 102 that are configured to keep said plurality of absorption segments 101 afloat; and joining means 103, to join said segments 101 together forming said barrier 100;

[0100] In the exemplary embodiment, the flotation means 102 comprise natural cork floats attached to the ends of each of said absorption segments 101. Likewise, the segments 101 have other natural cork floats inside the cover 104, which form part of the filling and which also act as flotation means 102. For their part, the joining means 103 comprise loops 106 at each of the ends of each segment 101, and a stainless steel carabiner 107 to join said segment with the adjacent segment 101.

[0101] As shown in the figures, each of the segments 101 is provided with two external handles 109, each arranged in an area proximal to one of the ends of said segment 101. In some embodiments, the segment 101 may also have additional handles 110, as is the case with the central segment shown in Fig. 13 or in the example of Figs. 15A-15C. Although other options may be contemplated, for the embodiments described herein each of the handles 109 and 110 is formed by a handle made of the same material as the sheath 104 and provided with a reinforcing band of hemp that extends longitudinally along said handle. Each handle is sewn to the sheath 104, and said sheath 104 has a reinforced area at the junction with the handle.

[0102] Fig. 16 shows an embodiment example of a barrier 100, which is also provided with a measuring device 120. It should be noted that the figure is simplified, so that configurations with a greater number of segments 101 and measuring devices 120 can be envisaged, for example, a device at each junction between two adjacent segments 101.

[0103] The measuring device 120 is provided with one or more sensors to obtain periodic measurements of the water, for example, temperature, conductivity, pH, salinity, dissolved oxygen, and contaminants present in the water, in particular, oils, hydrocarbons, and / or heavy metals. Different devices 120 of the same barrier 100 may be identical to each other or each have its own sensor or sensors. The measuring device 120 also has wireless communication means that are configured to send the sensor measurements to a server. To power the electronic elements, the measuring device 120 has power supply means that, in the case of the example, comprise a photovoltaic solar panel and a battery. Likewise, to ensure the buoyancy of the measuring device 120, it has flotation means formed by natural cork float elements.The measuring device 120 is attachable to the barrier by means of attachment means comprising one or more stainless steel snap hooks. In particular, each measuring device 120 is attached to two adjacent segments 101 of the barrier 100, as shown in Fig. 16. Note that this same configuration can be obtained with the barrier of Fig. 13 since the segments 101 are flexible.

[0104] Based on one of the sensor-equipped barriers 100 described above, the invention allows for the creation of a water decontamination system comprising one or more of said floating barriers 100, arranged in the same water area or in different areas (for example, one near a city and another in a nearby port). The system also has a server to receive the measurements from each measuring device 120 and a client application (for example, a mobile app, a website, etc.), configured to establish a connection with said server and display said measurements.

Claims

CLAIMS 1- Padding (1) suitable for agrotextile use, having a laminar structure of non-woven fabric characterized in that said non-woven fabric is composed of human hair and plant fibers, and is free of fibers of non-human animal origin; in which said plant fibers comprise at least hemp fibers in a proportion of between 30% and 70% with respect to the total weight and in which said human hair is present in a proportion of between 30% and 70% with respect to the total weight. 2- Padding (1) according to claim 1, wherein said vegetable fibers comprise first fibers with a length of between 10 and 100 mm in a proportion of at least 5% with respect to the total weight. 3- Padding (1) according to claim 2, wherein said first fibers are in a proportion of between 5% and 20% with respect to the total weight. 4- Padding (1) according to any one of claims 2 or 3, wherein said first fibers comprise hemp, jute or linen fibers, or combinations thereof. 5- Padding (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said vegetable fibers comprise only hemp fibers, and said hemp fibers have a quantity of hemp stem remains of less than 15% with respect to the total weight of hemp. 6- Padding (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein said laminar structure is formed by at least two superimposed layers that have been compacted and intermixed by a punching process. 7- Method for manufacturing a padding (1) suitable for agrotextile use that has a laminar structure of non-woven fabric, characterized in that said method has the following steps: mixing, preferably in a silo or chamber, a mixture of human hair and vegetable fibers, said mixture being free of fibers of non-human animal origin; wherein said plant fibers comprise at least hemp fibers in a proportion of between 30% and 70% with respect to the total weight, and wherein said human hair is present in a proportion of between 30% and 70% with respect to the total weight; carding said mixture to obtain a veil; folding said veil in at least two superimposed layers; punching said superimposed layers to intermix the fibers and obtain a compacted batt; and cutting said batt to obtain said padding (1). 8- Method for manufacturing a padding (1) suitable for agrotextile use that has a laminar structure of non-woven fabric, characterized in that said method has the following steps: creating a veil by an airlaid process from a mixture of human hair and vegetable fibers, said mixture being free of fibers of non-human animal origin; wherein said vegetable fibers comprise at least hemp fibers in a proportion of between 30% and 70% with respect to the total weight, and wherein said human hair is present in a proportion of between 30% and 70% with respect to the total weight; preferably, folding said veil in at least two superimposed layers; punching said veil to intermix the fibers and obtain a compacted sheet; and cutting said sheet to obtain said padding (1). 9- Padding (1) obtained by a manufacturing process according to any one of claims 7 or 8.

10. A device for agriculture, horticulture, or gardening, comprising: a padding material (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6; measuring means, attachable to said padding material (1), and configured to obtain measurements of environmental conditions; communication means, configured to send said measurements to a server; and power supply means, configured to electrically supply said measuring means and said communication means.

11. Device according to claim 10, wherein said environmental condition measurements of said measuring means comprise at least one of: soil moisture; soil temperature; soil conductivity; soil pH; soil salinity; dissolved oxygen; redox potential; air temperature; and air humidity. 12- Device according to any one of claims 10 or 11, wherein said measuring means comprise at least a plurality of temperature and humidity sensors arranged at different points of said padding (1).

13. A system for agriculture, horticulture, or gardening, comprising: at least one device according to any one of claims 10 to 12; a server for receiving said measurements from said at least one device; and a client application configured to establish a connection to said server and display said measurements.

14. Floating barrier (100) for water decontamination comprising: a plurality of absorption segments (101), each of said segments (101) having an elongated shape with two opposite ends; flotation means (102) configured to keep said plurality of absorption segments (101) afloat; and joining means (103) for joining said segments (101) together to form said barrier (100); wherein at least one of said absorption segments (101) comprises: a cover (104) made of a material that allows the passage of water; and a filling (105) comprising a padding (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6. 15- Barrier (100) according to claim 14, wherein said filling (105) comprises at least one of: a plurality of padding scraps (1); at least one sheet of padding (1), wrinkled inside said cover (104); and a sheet of padding (1) rolled upon itself, thus forming a roll (108) of padding (1). 16- Barrier (100) according to any one of claims 14 or 15, wherein said filling (105) comprises human hair, wrapped in said padding (1). 17- Barrier (100) according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein said cover (104) is made of a fabric, preferably at least one of hemp fabric and cotton fabric, said cotton preferably being organic cotton. 18- Barrier (100) according to any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein each of said segments (101) comprises two external handles (109), each of said two handles (109) arranged in an area proximal to one of the ends of said segment (101). 19- Barrier (100) according to any one of claims 14 to 18, wherein said flotation means (102) comprise natural cork floats attached to the ends of each of said absorption segments (101). 20- Barrier (100) according to any one of claims 14 to 19, wherein said flotation means (102) comprise natural cork floats arranged inside said cover (104), forming part of said filling (105).

21. Barrier (100) according to any one of claims 14 to 20, further comprising at least one measuring device (120) comprising: at least one sensor for obtaining water measurements; communication means configured to send said measurements to a server; power supply means configured to electrically supply said at least one sensor and said communication means; means for floating the device; and fastening means for fastening said measuring device (120) to said barrier (100). 22- Barrier (100) according to claim 21, wherein said water measurements comprise at least one of temperature, conductivity, pH, salinity, dissolved oxygen and contaminants present in the water, in particular, oils, hydrocarbons and / or heavy metals. 23- Barrier (100) according to any one of claims 22 or 23, wherein each of said at least one measuring device (120) is attached to two adjacent segments (101) of said barrier (100).

24. A system for decontaminating water comprising: at least one floating barrier (100) according to any one of claims 14 to 23; a server for receiving said measurements from said at least one measuring device (120); and a client application configured to establish a connection with said server and display said measurements. 25- Insulation comprising a padding (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, for use in at least one of: construction insulation; automotive insulation, in particular for use in a caravan, motorhome or camper van; thermal insulation for footwear; thermal insulation for clothing; acoustic absorber, in particular for use in loudspeakers and / or for soundproofing spaces; and airplane seat cover.

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