Alnet Agricultural Shade Cloth
Alnet
Shade Cloth is easily identifiable through various methods of construction
and shade density. Selection of the shadenetting for a specific use is
made by reference to the percentages of light that passes through the
fabric (e.g. 40% shade cloth is equivalent to having 60% of the light
passing through the fabric).
Alnet
shade cloth also have specially manufactured rows of reinforced eyelets
that are made from a multifilament Polypropylene, which enables the shade
cloth to be suitably tensioned during installation.
These
eyelets are provided on all selvages for threading of edge wires and ease
of insatallation. The eyelets also ensure the necessary resilience against
high winds which would otherwise tear the cloth from the structure.
The
extended life expectancy of the Alnet shade cloth, depends on the installation
technique, abrasive actions and chemicals that come into contact with
it.
Construction of Alnet shade cloth
The
unique construction of Alnet shadecloth and protective netting offers
the following special features and benefits:
- Knitted
fabric - Extremely strong, durable, well finished and run resistant.
- Manufactured
from high density polyethylene.
- Won't
rot, run or absorb moisture.
- Detergent
washable.
-
Ultraviolet stabilized. Input of sunrays minimized.
- Choice
of densities. Proven protection, specific to vital induces. Eliminates
heat buildup underneath cover.
- Versatility
of application. Gazebos, shadeports, plant protection, carports,
window / door awnings and many other shade uses.
- Heat
set material. Ensures consistent shade densities and additional
stability once suspended.
- Alnet
shade cloth has rows of polyester reinforced eyelets to assist in the
construction of shadecloth structures
How
does shade cloth work?
Every
plant has its own individual requirements for sunlight and shade under
which it flourishes at its best. By providing the right balance with the
correct grade of shade cloth, the optimum climatic conditions are created
under which the plant's productivity is maximized.
Under
these optimum conditions, photosynthesis is enhanced, and extremes
of air and soil temperatures are reduced and moderated. Even more importantly,
plant leaf temperatures are lowered to the same level as surrounding air
temperature and it is this mechanism which accounts for the improved productivity
of the plant.
 Shade
cloth has some useful benefits:
- Air
movement is restricted, thus reducing wind damage to the crop and evaporation
of soil moisture
- Air
beneath the shade cloth stays humid which is of further benefit to the
plant.
- Shade
cloth provides a physical barrier against hail and heavy rain and keeps
many birds and insects off the crop
Vital
Advantages of Alnet Shadenetting:
- Light
control: Enhances photosynthesis by manipulating the amount and quality
of light by means of various densities of netting.
- Temperature
control: Improves productivity by moderating extremes of temperatures.
Prevents sun burn and frost damage. The special knitted construction
"breathes", allowing hot air to escape.
- Saves
water up to 60%.
- Saves
on fertilizer costs.
- Certain
products are available, to reduce the cost and use of insecticides (Fungicide
still necessary).
- Reduces
labour costs and provides a pleasant productive working environment.
- Reduces
wind, hail, bird and insect damage to crops.
- High
specs enhance performance.
- High-density
polyethylene material will not decay or absorb moisture.
- Ultra-violet
ray stabilization prevents degradation by sunlight.
- Heat-setting
ensures consistent colour and prevents curling.
- Lock-stitch
knitting method prevents tearing in fabric.
What
percentage shade cloth for which crop?
There
are no hard and fast rules - it varies regionally, and according to prevailing
climatic conditions in each region. Advice can be obtained from the agricultural
research bodies, or you can ask other successful growers in your region
what they are using.
- 30%
and 40% shade cloth provide ideal conditions for germination of
seeds and development of seedlings at this highly vulnerable stage of
a plant's lifecycle.
- 50%
and 55% shade cloth are for flower cultivation and are recommended
for general nursery stock.
- The
geographical situation of the site as well as the Local Climatic Conditions
can also play a roll in determining the ideal shade requirement.
- White
shadenetting provides protection form the Ultra-Violet rays, but
allows more light to reach the plant, thus speeding up it's growth rate.
Shadenetting
also prevents "leggy" growths with long internodes as the plant
strives upwards to reach the light. (Shorter internodes means more nodes
from which leaves sprout).
Click
here for a basic guide on what percentage shade cloth to use over specific
crops...>>
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