This netting helps to block a large amount of solar radiation, thus reducing the temperature of the greenhouse or orchard. This allows to control the air temperature inside the growing structures with a reduction of up to two degrees Celsius. The shade netting also blocks the passage of sunlight into the greenhouse or orchard. This translates into a 25-50% reduction of the light level, which becomes an important factor if an optimal balance of light and heat is to be achieved. Among the best benefits obtained from the shade netting is the fact that it reduces the saturation of sunlight falling on the crops. This means that the produce being harvested receives the exact sunlight it needs to mature without having to endure excessive sunlight. This means a substantial improvement in the final quality of the products.
In addition, the shade netting helps to reduce the evaporation of soil moisture that occurs as a result of high levels of solar temperature. This translates into a reduction in the need to irrigate crops, but also reduces the risk of diseases and pests that take advantage of the high humidity to invade crops. It is worth noting that the shade netting is placed along the greenhouse and orchard structures, which means that the incidence of strong winds on the crops is reduced. This is essential to avoid damage to the harvested produce as well as to the structure itself. It also helps reduce dust formation by allowing only the clean air necessary for crop survival to enter. Clearly, shade netting is a very useful tool for reducing the damaging effects that the sun has on greenhouses and orchards.
The shade netting maintains an adequate temperature
Not only is it able to provide a higher level of shade to protect the produce from the sun’s rays, it also helps to maintain the temperature and humidity levels at the right level providing a considerable improvement in the quality of the harvested produce. Finally, the shade netting is an effective wind blocker, preventing wind damage to the crops or the structure itself.
A shade net for agricultural use must fulfill several functions to achieve the best performance in the field. From protecting the crop from the elements to improving its growth, shade netting has proven to be an effective tool to improve production yields. Among the main functions of a shade net for agricultural use are:
1. Protection: Shade netting should provide adequate protection against wind, moisture, exposure to direct sunlight and winter cold. This prevents dryness, diseases and wind damage. In addition, shade netting helps prevent crop diseases and pests.
2. Improved growth: Shade netting helps provide better air circulation around the crop, which helps maintain the proper temperature and thus prevents the development of phytosanitary diseases. In addition, shade netting helps provide improved crop production by retaining moisture and nutrients, thus improving growth, development and quality of the final product.
3. Erosion protection: Shade netting is a cost-effective alternative to protect crops from erosion damage. This is achieved by covering the soil with the netting, which prevents nutrients from being washed out of the soil, thus improving crop quality.
4. Sunlight modification: Shade netting can be used to regulate the amount of sunlight reaching the crop. This is achieved by manipulating the amount and energy of solar radiation reaching the crop, which can improve its growth or even cause the ripening of different fruits and vegetables.
What are the disadvantages of not using shade cloth?
The lack of shade netting in vegetable greenhouses has many disadvantages for both the crop and the grower. Shade netting is essential to protect plants from excessive heat growth and damage caused by direct solar radiation. This is because a shade net significantly reduces ultraviolet and UVB rays, which improves crop yields. If the greenhouse is exposed to direct sunlight without the protection of a shade net, the plants inside will experience higher temperatures, which can lead to dehydration, lodging and structural damage. Another important loss suffered without the protection of a shade net in greenhouses is the reduction of up to 70% in production, as well as in crop quality, due to excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays, which causes dehydration, blackening and severe leaf damage. However, the lack of netting will also have negative consequences for the grower.
These include an increase in production costs, as he will need to use more water to maintain the water balance of the crops. In addition, the risk of pests is greatly increased due to the lack of protection against these organisms. This could lead to a decrease in greenhouse productivity, as all efforts will have to be invested in combating pests. In addition, the farmer will also have to bear certain expenses related to the repair or replacement of crops affected by solar radiation. This is because the damage caused by excess light without the protection of a shade net will have a negative impact on the resulting produce, which will be unfit for consumption and will have to be replaced.