Windbreak fabrics are designed to provide optimum long-term protection from wind. This enhances crop protection by reducing wind chill in colder periods, and transpiration from summer winds.
Permanent windbreak structures can be erected quickly, eliminating the lengthy establishment periods of trees and providing instant protection for seedlings.
The key feature of a good windbreak fabric is maintaining the right balance between wind protection and airflow.
If the windbreak is not porous enough—like a solid fence—it causes the wind to displace upwards and over, creating unwanted turbulent zones (see Figure 1).
A good windbreak fabric with a porosity factor of 50% creates a much more habitable protection zone, generally 6–8 times longer than what the windbreak is high.
By introducing windbreaks the quality of fruit is greatly improved as it reduces damage by wind rub.
Windbreaks also help to reduce the impact of accidental spray drift and they assist in maintaining temperatures in sheltered areas by reducing the speed and impact of strong winds, be they hot or cold.
Shade
In addition to providing hail protection and bird protection, canopy quad nets are increasingly being used to create micro-climates for promoting plant growth and reducing transpiration.
Studies have found that water savings of up to 40% can be achieved with the use of canopy quad nets.
The reinforced edges and centres of the fabric also make them easier to handle, and their stretch characteristics means that a single bale can cover 4000 to 6000 square meters, depending on the chosen width and length of the material.
Multiple aperture sizes available in quad nets today allow for flexibility when selecting an appropriate cover requirement. For example, by using a black quad canopy net with an aperture of 8mm to 12mm you can achieve shade factors of between 20% and 30%.
Invest in quality, & cover with confidence
The cost of netting in a structure is a fraction of the cost of the hardware and installation, however, selection of poor quality product to save a little at installation could cost thousands if it fails prematurely.
Always invest in the best quality netting in the first place to ensure longevity of your installation.
A good quality net will come with a 10 year warranty against UV degradation.
Select a product with a strong history in Australian conditions from a manufacturer that makes the yarn and knits the fabric themselves, that way you can be assured of the quality.
For more information on materials, suppliers and fabricators of Synthesis product, contact
Gale Pacific phone 1800 331 521
www.synthesisfabrics.com
Synthesis fabrics are produced by Gale Pacific, an Australian owned manufacturer of quality industrial fabrics and netting products.
For more information, see Tree Fruit November 2013
