Sisal

Sisal (Agave sisalana) is a species of Agave native to southern Mexico but widely cultivated and naturalized in many other countries. It yields a stiff fibre used in making various products. The term sisal may refer either to the plant's common name or the fibre, depending on the context.

Description

The sisal plant has a lifespan of about 7–10 years and produces 200–250 commercially usable leaves. Each leaf contains about 1000 fibres. The fibres account for only about 4% of the plant by weight. Sisal is considered a plant of the tropics and subtropics, since production benefits from temperatures above 25 degrees Celsius and sunshine.

Uses

Sisal is used for rope, twine, and also in other products such as hats, footwear, bags, and carpets. It is also used in the paper industry, and for strengthening cement mixtures, plaster, and plastics. Sisal pulp is a recent development. The pulp is considered a better substitute for wood pulp in paper and cardboard, and for rayon in tires.

Cultivation

Sisal cultivation is a highly labour-intensive process. Propagation is generally by using small bulbs grown at the base of the plant, which are grown in nursery beds and then transplanted to the field by hand. The plants mature in about three to five years.

Production

The leading producers of sisal are Brazil, Tanzania, and Kenya. China and Madagascar are also significant producers.

Environmental impact

Sisal is considered to be an environmentally friendly material as it is biodegradable and almost no pesticides or fertilizers are used in its cultivation.

See also

• Agave
• Fibre crop
• Henequen

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