Shade netting makes the difference

The demand for shade netting in the agricultural sector increases because it can reduce the risk that severe climate poses to the producer. Research indicates that shade netting provides the necessary protection for crops from extreme climatic conditions and reduce their adverse effects.

Shade nets have been found to increase the quality of crops. Water-saving is another benefit of using nets, because it reduces the amount of evaporation. This also means less damage to crops by sunburn, insects and birds. The increased crop quality is largely due to the optimal growth environment created within the shade net structure. A well-built structure, with the correct density and colour shade net, creates a protected microclimate that is ideal for growing seedlings, cut flowers and potted plants, and growing vegetables and fruits.

Deon Joubert, managing director of Multiknit, says that although their product carries a 10-year warranty against UV degradation, they have had nets up in excess of 20 years. The producer needs to understand that the product degrades gradually over the ten-year period. The product will not have the same protection properties after ten years of exposure to the natural elements as in year one.

“We ensure that we utilise the best available UV stabilisers and ensure that the dosage far exceeds the required warranty period. We pride ourselves that we use the best UV stabilisers, HDPE and colour pigments available in the world. We ensure that all products used in the production process are of the utmost quality. The combination of the product we incorporate as well as our lockstitch knitting pattern ensures our quality.

“We have been in business since 1964 and the experience and expertise we have available within our business allows us to develop our exceptional products. For example, the secret of climate control under shade net is determined by the height of the structure”, says Joubert.

According to him, the higher the structure, the greater the volume of air under the net. Therefore, the temperature effect the net has depends not only on the height of the structure but also on the density and colour of the net as well.

The presence of nets on the perimeter of the net-house slope at a 45-degree angle will affect the free flow of air movement under the structure. The main reason for the net is to protect the crops. Still, the added advantages apart from protection against the sun, hail, birds and larger insects are that by choosing the correct colour and density of shade net, the producer protect and enhance the fruit quality and potential volume of the yield. Furthermore, the presence of a shade net over a crop will directly influence the plant's water consumption. Therefore, the net's colour and density and the presence of side nets are directly related to the potential savings.

The choice of the colour and density of the net should be taken into account when erecting the shade net structure. It plays a major role in changing the quality of light transmitted and its different effects on crops. Red nets allow more red light to pass to the plant and, for example, can help extend the stem

length of roses. On the other hand, more blue light transmitted to the plant can enhance colour development or stimulate root development. The amount of blue and red light and the ratio of blue to red light must be determined by the producer to obtain the best quality, size and colour of fruit and vegetables or improve flower size and stem length of flowers.

Each crop or tree has its own unique lighting needs, which are further influenced by management input and production adjustments. It is therefore advisable to approach a Knittex specialist to obtain the appropriate shade net for specific needs. For more information, contact one of the Knittex representatives for more guidance, as shade netting requirements will depend on plant variant, location, soil type and climatic conditions in a region. Tel: 011 692 1658 or visit www.knittex.co.za. All SpectraNet can be supplied standard or stented and comes with a 10 year manufacturer’s warranty against UV degradation.