Design and development of waste-cotton nonwoven substrate for soilless culture

According to the physical properties required for soilless-culture substrates,this paper produces 17 types of nonwoven substrates with noil in cotton mill using needle punching based on experimental scheme of(Design-)Expert software.By means of response surface methodology(RSM),a mathematical model for comprehensive evaluation of the needling process parameters,main physical properties of the substrate and the lawn is developed.Fitting degree is examined and the needling process is optimized.This study reveals that waste cotton can be used as the material of nonwoven substrate for soilless culture.This nonwoven substrate facilitates water absorption and draining,aeration,plant roots penetrating and extending,and the structural stabilization.