Key factors for achieving successful production under nets

Agriculture has seen countless innovations over the centuries, one of which is the use of shade netting to protect crops. In South Africa, the area under netting is expanding rapidly as farmers try to reduce the risks associated with production in harsh environments. Magda du Toit explores the science of orchard netting.

- Magda du Toit

Growing fruit and vegetables is futile if a large percentage of the crop is going to be discarded due to hail, sun or wind damage. Shade netting is a simple yet effective solution to protect orchards against various biotic and abiotic stresses, such as sunburn, insects, hail and wind.

Shade nets have many benefits, from modulating light intensity to aiding in disease management.

However, as with any tool, its benefits are maximised with proper understanding, installation and maintenance. "Increasing pressure for higher volumes of better-quality fruit, together with an increased risk of damage to crops, are the two main drivers for farmers to produce under nets," says MJ De Kock, national sales manager at PlusNet/Geotex.

The main purpose of nets is to protect agricultural crops. Studies have shown that in warmer regions, nets help to reduce damage to fruit caused by hail, high temperatures and solar radiation, and furthermore improve water-use efficiency. In cooler areas, nets protect against crop loss due to frost, wind and hail.

Although shade nets are versatile and can be used in various agricultural settings, including open fields, greenhouses and vertical farming, it is important to tailor the configuration of the specific net structure to the particular needs of the crop and the environmental conditions that prevail in a production region.

BENEFITS OF SHADE NETTING

Shade netting offers multiple benefits to farmers. De Kock says using nets can boost yields and enhance risk management by mitigating many climate and market-related challenges. Some of benefits of shade nets are:

Sun protection. Sunlight is essential for plant growth, but its ultraviolet UV rays can be harmful.