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.
Denne historien er fra August 02, 2024-utgaven av Farmer's Weekly.
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Denne historien er fra August 02, 2024-utgaven av Farmer's Weekly.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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More funding needed to flood-proof Olifants River
Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism Dr Ivan Meyer recently handed over R14,98 million to the Citrusdal Water Users’ Association.
Zambia, Burundi agree to maximise agri potential
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Expanded market brings avocado season success
The South African avocado industry is making headway in India after gaining market access earlier this year. Supported by the World Avocado Organization (WAO), consumers and food businesses in India are being educated about the health benefits of regular avocado consumption and how best to use this fruit in Indian cuisine.
Plan needed to enhance competitiveness of SA's deciduous fruit canning industry
Dr Heinrich Jantjies, group risk, safety and security director at Tiger Brands, says the deciduous fruit canning industry has been on a decline in South Africa since 2016. He suggests implementing a Deciduous Fruit Canning Industry Recovery and Competitive Plan to turn the industry around.
Kruger's memory lingers in his Boekenhoutfontein farmhouses
Lucille Davie visits Kedar Heritage Lodge in North West to see the farmhouses Paul Kruger owned.
From street art to feats of engineering, Bristol has it all
Brian Berkman visits the vibrant UK port city of Bristol and says two days are not enough to explore renowned graffiti artist Banksy's hometown and pop in at all the historical taverns.
Managing broodmares and foals profitably and safely
Broodmares and their foals are at high risk of stress, diseases and injuries if their management is suboptimal, says Dr Mac.
Double cab's leisure features find favour
The GWM P500 2.0T HEV 4x4 Super Luxury AT has launched in South Africa, and the bakkie takes aim at the more premium, leisure-focused offerings from rival brands. Car Magazine's Marius Boonzaier writes.
More fungal diseases that can infect beans
Bill Kerr explains the symptoms of angular leaf spot and anthracnose and how to avoid infection in your fields.
Keeping invasive insects at bay
Featuring an array of delicious fruit from peaches to cherries, stone fruit is attractive to a variety of bugs that can be effectively controlled with integrated pest management, writes Zunel van Eeden.
