Important Details about the Shade Net

Shade netsare loosely knitted or woven plastics, polyester, or aluminum materials that only let a controlled amount of sun rays to reach the vegetation. Most agricultural shade nets are green to lend with crops. 

The prices of these nets vary depending on the type and quality.

Introduction 

Shade net farming has been rising in Kenya due to the many agricultural activities. It is becoming more popular, especially among farmers who want to maximize their crop yields regardless of the weather conditions. The nets are used with shade net houses. These structures are beneficial in setting up commercial nurseries and greenhouses. 

How is shade net farming in Kenya done?

Shade nets protect crops against excessive heat and radiation. They also enhance the crops’ moisture retention capacity and proliferate without water loss. 

Therefore, it is essential that when you want to build a shade net house for your crops, select the appropriate material of shade net for your crops and also build the proper shade net structure or support it 2M high to cover the top of the product only. When buying, remember that the shade net price in Kenya varies depending on the type, density, size, and quality of the material used to make the net.

The different types of shade nets 

The nets are categorized into: 

The amount of required shade

The shading is measured in percentages, that is, 90%, 75%, 55%, and 30% shading. These percentages determine the net shade densities. The discrepancy in the rate allows different sunlight intensities to permeate, meaning the shade cloth percentage you select blocks out that amount of sun.

The percentages describe the type and usage of shade net

90% nets are usually ideal for nurseries meant for vegetable crops due to the crops’ tenderness and vulnerability to excess heat.

75% of nets are commonly used in forestry or fruit-tree nurseries. It is because plants are more tolerant to heat than their vegetable counterparts.

55% and 30% of the nets are suitable for the hardening stage. However, using these depends on the seedlings’ state and the current climatic conditions.

Colour preference

There are green and black nets. Usually, the color of the net does not affect its shading ability.

How to choose an agricultural shade net 

Below are the selection criteria for selecting a shade net for your crops.

Climatic condition

 Deeper shade nets are used in hotter locations, while lighter ones are used in more extraordinary places.

Stage of the crops

 Tender stage crops in the nursery require deeper nets, whereas the hardening stage or mature crops require lighter ones.

Type of crop

 Different crops thrive well at different sunlight intensities. Some grow best if shaded, while others grow best on total exposure to sunlight.

The growing method

It can be a greenhouse or open field. Usually, greenhouse shades reduce heat within the greenhouse structure.

Conclusion 

Shade nets are essential to crops in various ways. It is, therefore, suitable to know the type of shade net you need for your crops before buying it. The net’s size, density, and quality are common factors that determine its price.