Geotextiles are used for separation, drainage, filtration and anti-erosion protection sealing, as well as to improve plant vegetation conditions. The research objective of this study was to verify the influence of the addition of poultry feathers on accelerating the biodegradation of nonwovens in cultivated soil. The tests were carried out in laboratory conditions and were based on the assessment of weight loss. The experiments confirmed the positive effects of the presence of waste that was rich in keratin on the time required for the biodegradation of the tested materials (the period of biodegradation was 8–24 weeks). Additionally, the influence of the biodegradation of the tested materials on the ecotoxicity was investigated and showed no negative effects on the microbiological activity (10⁶ cfu). The research also included the determination of the carbon to nitrogen ratio of the test medium (blank, 12–14:1; with feather addition, 19–20:1). A statistical analysis revealed a correlation between the mechanical properties and the period of biological decomposition. This research was an important step for the management of poultry feather waste in agricultural applications. The tested materials could be seen an alternative that meets all ecological criteria, which seems to be a golden solution that not only allows the delivery of important nutrients to the soil, but also manages waste in an environmentally safe manner.

Geotextiles are widely used for separation, drainage, filtration, and erosion control, as well as for enhancing plant growth conditions. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of incorporating poultry feathers on the biodegradation rate of nonwoven geotextiles in arable soil. The research was conducted under laboratory conditions, with biodegradation assessed based on mass loss. The findings confirmed that the presence of keratin-rich waste positively influenced the biodegradation rate of the tested materials. Additionally, the potential ecotoxicological effects of biodegradation were examined, revealing no adverse impact on microbiological activity. Statistical analysis demonstrated a correlation between material composition and biodegradation time. This study represents a significant step toward the sustainable management of poultry feather waste in agricultural applications. The tested materials could serve as an environmentally viable alternative for long-term applications, aligning with ecological sustainability principles by simultaneously enriching soil with essential nutrients and promoting waste valorization.

This study applies the concept of the circular economy by using poultry feather waste to produce biodegradable geotextiles for environmental applications. The main goal was to assess their biodegradability, effect on soil properties, and usefulness in supporting plant growth. Three types of feather-based nonwoven fabrics were manufactured using a needle-punching method and tested under laboratory and field conditions over a 23-month period. Laboratory tests confirmed high biodegradability: Nonwoven I and III lost over 91% of their mass within 24 weeks. In field trials, plots covered with biodegradable geotextiles showed up to 266% more seedlings compared to bare soil, and plant height increased by 90% on average. The materials also improved soil moisture retention and supported microbial activity. After use, the nonwovens did not require removal and decomposed naturally, enriching the soil. The results demonstrate that feather-based geotextiles are a sustainable, effective, and locally available solution for soil protection and vegetation in difficult terrain.

This publication underscores the vital role of bees, particularly their contribution to products like honey, pollen, and propolis, which offer significant health benefits. Notably, 79% of the world’s food supply relies on bees; thus, their declining numbers pose a threat to pollination and food security. The study explores an ecological thermal insulation for hives using animal biomass and a monitoring system to detect anomalies in bee habitats early. This approach aims to protect bee populations and enhance global food security through improved data-driven practices.

Honeybee colonies are essential for biodiversity and food production but face increasing environmental pressures. This study presents a bio-based needle-punched nonwoven insulation composed of recycled chicken feathers and sheep wool, with a mass per unit area of approximately 433 g/m², integrated with an telemetry system for beehive monitoring. The multilayer composite was validated under real apiary conditions during a 1-year pilot study. Insulated hives exhibited improved thermal stability and enhanced overwintering vitality. Monitoring temperature, humidity, weight, and acoustic activity revealed seasonal colony dynamics. Correlations with Normalized Difference Vegetation Index and PM2.5 data suggest that intelligent hives can serve as bioindicators of environmental conditions.

Geotextiles are used for separation, drainage, filtration and sealing of anti-erosion protection, as well as for improving plant vegetation conditions. The research objective of this work was to verify the effect of adding poultry feathers on the acceleration of biodegradation of nonwovens in arable soil. The studies were conducted in laboratory conditions and were based on the assessment of mass loss. The experiments confirmed the positive effect of the presence of waste rich in keratin on the time required for biodegradation of the tested materials (the biodegradation period was 1–24 weeks). In addition, the effect of biodegradation of the tested materials on ecotoxicity was examined and no negative effect on microbiological activity was found (106 cfu). The studies also included determining the carbon to nitrogen ratio in the test substrate (blank test, 12–14:1; with the addition of feathers, 19–20:1). Statistical analysis showed a correlation between mechanical properties and biodegradation time. This research was an important step in the management of poultry feather waste in agricultural applications. The tested materials could be seen as an alternative that meets all ecological criteria, which seems to be a golden solution that not only allows the supply of important nutrients to the soil but also manages the waste in an environmentally safe way. These results open up possibilities of using feather waste as a component of environmentally friendly agricultural nonwovens that can be degraded in-situ in the soil.