What Is a Shade Sheet?
A shade sheet, as the name suggests, is a film material used to provide shade. Made from materials like PO film, it’s often referred to as a light-blocking film. When used in plastic greenhouses and fields, it prevents crops from receiving excessive direct sunlight and helps maintain soil and plant health by reducing temperatures and moisture evaporation.
Uses of Shade Sheets
1. Protecting Crops
Shade sheets are primarily used to protect crops by attaching them to greenhouses, moderating light, temperature, and humidity, which is crucial for healthy crop and flower growth. They are especially beneficial for crops sensitive to strong light, like celery and mushrooms, and during the paddy rice seedling stage.
2. Protecting Farm Workers
Installing shade sheets in work areas can reduce heat exposure from the sun, helping prevent heat stroke and discomfort among farm workers. These sheets also serve as a heat shield, reflecting heat into the interior and preventing cold in the work area.
Features of Shade Sheets
Pros
Shade sheets offer protection against direct sunlight and temperature fluctuations. They can be combined with pesticides for dual purposes of pest control and fertilization. Quick action and ease of installation are other benefits. Additionally, they keep agricultural products safe from rainwater, dust, and radiant heat when used for outdoor storage.
Cons
However, improper use or timing can lead to poor growth. Poor air permeability and condensation can increase the risk of disease outbreaks and growth sprawl. In spinach, for instance, shading has been shown to reduce nutrient content and increase levels of nitric acid, potentially impacting taste.
Types of Shade Sheets
Shade sheets in agriculture come in various types, including those for direct sunlight and heat protection, as well as aluminum foil-based heat-shielding sheets suitable for heat-sensitive crops. Curtain-like sheets are also available. It’s crucial to choose agricultural-specific shade sheets, as those for home use differ significantly.
How to Use Shade Sheets
Shade sheet applications vary based on the crop:
1. Green Onions
For green onions, apply shade sheets when they reach a certain size, adjusting the height for optimal growth.
2. Mushrooms
Mushrooms, which prefer darker environments, should have shade sheets installed immediately after embedding.
3. Tomatoes
Tomatoes benefit from shade sheets during summer to prevent fruit ruptures and temperature stress.
Other Information on Shade Sheets
1. Usage Precautions
When not required, remove shade sheets to avoid reduced light and temperature, which can adversely affect crop quality. This is especially important for summer vegetables.
2. Shading Rate
The “shading ratio” is a critical factor in selecting shade sheets. This ratio indicates the percentage of sunlight blocked, with a wide range of options available. Choose the right shading rate for your specific agricultural needs.