What Is a Shade Net?
A shade net is a net-like material designed to protect plants and crops that are sensitive to direct sunlight from harsh sunlight and high heat. Commonly made of materials like PO film, it’s extensively used in agriculture, home balconies, condominiums, and vegetable gardens.
Uses of Shade Nets
Shade nets are installed in plastic greenhouses, fields, and farm workshops to mitigate high temperatures and prevent frost damage. They are crucial in cultivating light-sensitive crops like mushrooms, which thrive in low-light environments, and ornamentals such as orchids that flourish under gentle, filtered light.
Features of Shade Nets
Shade nets are characterized by their “light shading rate,” indicating the percentage of sunlight they block. The higher the percentage, the greater the shading effect. However, excessive shading may adversely affect some vegetables and flowers, so it’s important to choose the right shading rate.
Pros
Shade nets offer numerous benefits, including protection from direct sunlight and high temperatures, and wind-blocking properties. Lightweight and easy to install, they help maintain soil temperature at appropriate levels, reduce irrigation labor, and prevent leaf burn. Additionally, they can shield agricultural products stored outdoors from rainwater, dust, and radiant heat.
Cons
One downside is the potential for stunted growth if the light and temperature conditions are not optimal for the crops. Also, frequent control of the nets is necessary to prevent disease outbreaks due to moisture.
Types of Shade Nets
Shade nets are available in various colors, each offering different properties:
1. Black
Black shade nets offer the highest light-shielding properties and are UV resistant. Ideal for cultivating mushrooms, they absorb light but may retain heat, making them less suitable for heat-sensitive crops.
2. White
White nets reflect light and provide excellent heat shielding, making them suitable for germinating light-loving vegetables and coloring crops like tomatoes and spinach. However, they are less durable and show dirt more easily.
3. Silver
Silver nets balance light and heat shielding, maintaining moderate light levels and temperatures. They are effective in preventing soil and leaf temperature increases due to sunlight.
4. Blue
Blue shade nets are used for leafy vegetables like spinach, absorbing long-wavelength red light and helping to prevent frost damage in cooler seasons.
How to Select Shade Nets
When choosing a shade net, consider the shading rate and color appropriate for your crops. Opt for a size slightly larger than needed to accommodate slight shrinkage. The type of weave, such as “raschel weave,” should be chosen based on durability and suitability for your agricultural needs. For smaller installations, like at a workshop entrance, select nets with edged dovetailing and secure them to prevent wind displacement.