Organic Eprints frontpage
 about    browse    search    register    user area    help 

6926: Production and processing of organically grown fiber nettle (Urtica dioica L.) and its potential use in the natural textiles industry: A review

Vogl, C. R. and Hartl, A. (2003) Production and processing of organically grown fiber nettle (Urtica dioica L.) and its potential use in the natural textiles industry: A review . American Journal of Alternative Agriculture 18(3):pp. 119-128.

Full text available as:
PDF - Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader or other PDF viewer.

Summary

In Europe, the perennial stinging nettle was cultivated during the 19th century until the Second World War and has a long history as a fiber plant. Clone varieties dating back to the early 20th century are still maintained at European research institutions. The fiber content of clones ranges from 1.2 to 16% dry matter, and fiber yields range from 0.14 to 1.28 Mg/ha. Varietal purity of fiber nettle can only be achieved by planting cuttings. The harvesting of fiber starts in the second year of growth and the crop may produce well for several years. Several agronomic practices influence fiber quality, but causal relations are not yet well understood. Various parts of the fiber nettle plant can be used as food, fodder and as raw material for different purposes in cosmetics, medicine, industry and biodynamic agriculture. Organically produced fibers are in demand by the green textile industry and show potential that is economically
promising.

Document Language:English
Keywords:fiber nettle, fiber production, fiber processing, natural textiles, organic farming, renewable resources
Subject Areas: Crop husbandry
Research affiliation: Austria > Univ. BOKU Wien > Sustainable Agr. Systems - IfÖL
Total budget (Euro):0
Orgprints ID Number:6926
Contact:Vogl, Prof. Dr. Christian Reinhard
Deposited On:30 January 2006
EPrint Type:Journal paper
Published?:Published
Peer Review Status:Peer-reviewed and accepted

Archive Staff Only: edit this record