Lindsay Adams, horticultural specialist with NetPro, shares some insider information regarding the requirements for installing a NetPro canopy over an orchard, and keeping installation costs down.
“Our crop protection canopies are individually designed to your location, crop and variety,” Lindsay said.
Canopy size matters
“The bigger and the more even the shape of the structure (as close as possible to a square or rectangle), the cheaper the canopy will be.”
Lindsay said it’s all about the span of net and the cost of the infrastructure.
“If someone is considering a one hectare trial, the costs per hectare can be prohibitive, however, if covering three hectares, then the cost is only marginally more and there is three times the cover.”
Orchard location also affects the net size and structure choice.
“Once these factors are considered, canopies yield significant irrigated water savings, and reduced water, wind and sun damage,” Lindsay said.
The structures are professionally engineered and designed to last.
Access and terrain matter
Lindsay said terrain and orchard access can also affect installation costs.
“The ideal situation is where a block is cleared and there is plenty of room for machinery to move freely,” he said.
“However, as long as there is enough room around the perimeter of the block for poles and anchors, and for machinery movement, installation will be a breeze.
“So, allowing enough access around the block is important.”
Integrating poles and trellis requirements
Integrating the canopy supporting structures and internal poles into the trellis system, is efficient and cost-effective.
“This can be achieved on new ground and in existing orchards,” Lindsay said.
“Kiwifruit grids for instance, are installed under the canopy and incorporated into the structure.”
Type of net
The type of net is the next consideration for cost reductions and maintaining pollination requirements.
Lindsay determines the light requirements of the bee area and makes provision for the incorporation of a product that allows access for bees to ensure pollination success.
“Our netting covers reduce crop burdens such as heat, hail, birds, bats, wind and sun that are affecting your final pack out,” Lindsay said.
“Our goal is for the client to consistently produce first-class fruit with a high pack out rate from year to year.
“The design considerations we employ involve the correct type and colour of net for each enterprise, and the varieties of fruit that are growing or are proposed—as different fruits require different shade levels.”
Planning: key to success
Lindsay tries to keep the canopy design as simple as possible so that the installation can be completed quickly—and the way clients can ensure the construction goes smoothly, is to discuss the project with him and follow his guidelines.
See this article in Tree Fruit June 2020
